<h1>Forest advisory body defers approval for pumped-storage project over 616 ha forest diversion, citing ecological risk and tree loss</h1> The central Forest Advisory Committee deferred approval for a proposed pumped-storage power project proposing diversion of over 616 hectares of dense forest, citing high ecological risk and potential loss of more than 208,000 trees and habitat for Schedule-I species. The committee required a sub-committee site visit and directed the state government and project proponent to submit division-wise land data, central electricity and water approvals, detailed catchment and wildlife management plans, clarification of the legal status of 27.61 hectares within forest compartments, and a disaster management plan. It flagged inadequate proposed conservation funding and barred clearance until comprehensive field assessment and legal and environmental safeguards are satisfied.