By Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 25: Accusing the state government of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for executing the 10,000 mw Siang hydro project without taking the affected people into confidence, the Siang Indigenous Farmer’s Forum (SIFF) and Indigenous Rights Advocacy Dibang (IRAD) on Saturday, appealed to the state government for immediate scrapping of the project.
The NITI Aayog has proposed the 10,000 mw project which dam would be of 300 meters.
Addressing reporters at Press Club here, SIFF President Tasik Pangkam alleged that the state government had executed the MoU with NHPC without taking consent from the affected indigenous people of the area.
“Without the knowledge of land owners, they will not allow the power developer to carry out any activities,” Pangkam said and added that the people living in the downstream of the project would be the most sufferers as the entire Yingkiong town in Upper Siang district would be in grave danger.
The forum has been protesting against the proposed mega dam over the mighty Siang River and had submitted a memorandum to chairman of United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights Forum Dr Puchamon Yeophantong during its 4th United Nations South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights held in Kathmandu on March 22 last.
“Adis of Siang region cannot accept the proposed 10,000 MW dam in their ancestral territory which threatens the very existence and identity of the community,” said Pangkam.
Informing that the Gauhati Court pronounced a judgement in favour of a public interest litigation filed by SIFF, Pangkam added that despite the court order, NHPC continued with its survey across the Siang river without people’s consent.
“Even the state government and NHPC have failed to disclose the cumulative impact assessment of the proposed dam of 2880 mw Dibang Multipurpose Hydroelectric power project and 10,000 MW Siang project,” he pointed out.
Citing instances of Kaptai Hydroelectric Project in Bangladesh where indigenous Chakmas were displaced due to mega hydropower project, SIFF said that mega dams in Arunachal Pradesh have the potential to displace and imbalance thousands of lives living in lower lying areas.
The Forum has also questioned state health minister Alo Libang, who represent Upper Siang district, for keeping mum on the issue.
They also claimed that the district administration and local MLA did not convene any public hearing.
However, the district administration invited a few individuals and villagers to the office, who did not know anything about the advantages and disadvantages of the dam, the forum added.
It also expressed resentment over the denial of appointment to meet Chief Minister Pema Khandu over the issue.
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