Subsequent to grant of relevant clearances, under legislative requirements of environmental and forestry legislations, the decision to go ahead with the project was taken by NVDA. The approval of CCEA was accorded on 29.4.2003 and the foundation stone was laid on 30th August 2003. The power component of project is being taken up under the joint venture with NHPC and the canals will be completed with State resources and the aid under AIBP scheme of GOI. Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation (NHDC) has been awarded the work of execution of 520 MW Omkareshwar Project in the State of Madhya Pradesh on turn key basis to M/s Jaiprakash - Voith Siemens Consortium on 9th June 2003. The pre-construction and investigation works have been completed. More than 19.28 % of excavation work in main dam, 13.27% in head race channel, 64.50% in power house, power dam & intake and 11.34% of work in tail race channel has been completed. The construction of Narmada Aqueduct has also progressed rapidly. These developments necessitated the preparation of the forest scheduling plan for Omkareshwar Project for the following obvious reasons:

1. Since forest clearing is a sine qua non for the submergence of any area coming under a river valley project, preparation of forest scheduling plan is the integral part of vegetation management planning good practices.

2. The sudden uprooting of tress in the reservoir area by strong winds has the potential to cause structural damage to the concrete, steel, stone or timber structures of the dam and facilitate seepage.

3. The forest scheduling would facilitate the movement of displaced wildlife to alternate habitats and a carefully implemented operation would provide a conduit for animal movement after the complete submergence of wooded areas.

4. The vegetation in reservoir if not removed would rot and emit millions of tonnes of green house gases that would contribute significantly in global warming.

5. The standing timber on the forest floor in the impoundment area is a commercial asset of significant economic benefits to the state forest department.