A total number of 1,279 sites have been identified in the North-East including Meghalaya for setting up mini hydel plants aggregating/estimated potential of 2598.63 mw. The maximum number of sites for hydel power generation projects have been identified in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is insisting upon basin-wise cumulative Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)Studies of such projects to deal effectively with likely problems relating tosubmergence, rehabilitation & resettlement issues and likely impact in thedown-stream areas.
The MoEF also stipulates comprehensive mitigativemeasures for environmental safety while according environment clearance torun-of-the river (R-O-R)projects although they have only a limited environmental impact.