Context: White-bellied Heron hydropower project
The Union Environment Ministry has granted in-principle environmental clearance to a 1,200 MW hydropower project in the Lohit River basin of Arunachal Pradesh.
Conservationists have raised concerns that changes in river flow, turbidity and riparian forests may threaten the White-bellied Heron, one of the world’s rarest herons.
White-bellied Heron
Scientific Name
- Ardea insignis
IUCN Red List
- Critically Endangered
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Schedule I
Distribution
The White-bellied Heron is found in:
- India
- Bhutan
- Myanmar
In India, it is mainly found in Arunachal Pradesh, especially in:
- Lohit River basin
- Noa-Dihing River basin
- Lam River basin
About 70% of India’s population occurs in the Lohit basin.
Habitat
The species prefers:
- Fast-flowing Himalayan rivers
- Undisturbed riparian forests
- Rocky riverbeds
- Shallow water areas
Diet and Behaviour
It feeds mainly on fish.
It hunts in shallow water using an ambush strategy, waiting quietly for fish to come close before striking.
Major Threats
- Hydropower projects
- Habitat loss
- Altered river flow
- Increased turbidity
- Removal of river boulders
- Pollution
- Human disturbance
Key Takeaway
The issue is not only about one bird species. It is about balancing hydropower development with the protection of fragile Himalayan river ecosystems.
