The DMK for a very long time was holding on to the Environment ministry and this time around the Prime Minister does not want to give the portfolio to them because of the unpopularity of the DMK ministers in regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

The Dibang multipurpose project was initiated without getting environmental clearance it is stated by Neeraj Vagholikhar, an environmentalist. The Idu Muslims in the area opposed the building of a dam and despite this opposition the work was started by the DMK ministers.

In the year 2003, the Lower Subansiri project in Assam was cleared without proper analysis.

There was more or less a two-year protest in Sikkim against the construction of dams near Kanchanjunga National Park.

Another hydroelectric project was planned in the northeast.

There are allegations that the department that should protect the environment is indulging in weakening the procedures.