Itanagar: The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), Dibang Resistance, and North East Human Rights (NEHR) have formally expressed strong opposition to the proposed 11,000 MW Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project (USMP) in Arunachal Pradesh.
In a letter to Union Power minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday, the organisations argued that the massive dam threatens their ancestral lands and delicate ecosystems, describing the project as a potential disaster for the regionโs environment and its people.
Union minister Lal is currently on an official tour of Itanagar.
๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐ข๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ:
The letter highlighted the state’s existing burden of numerous hydroelectric projects and the fragile ecosystems that have already been affected.
The groups cited the recent Teesta dam breakage in Sikkim on October 4, 2023, as a cautionary example of the risks associated with large-scale hydroelectric projects, emphasising the need for a re-evaluation of such initiatives.
โThe flooding in downstream Assam, exacerbated by dam-induced incidents, underscores the dire need for a shift in focus from damage control to sustainable solutions,โ the unions said.
๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ค๐๐ฌ:
The letter also raised alarm about the increasing number of glacial lakes forming due to rising global temperatures.
โThis makes regions like Arunachal Pradesh particularly vulnerable to climate-induced changes. The Dibang Valley, which hosts major hydro projects like the 2,880 MW Dibang Multi-Purpose Dam and the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydro Project, faces heightened risks,โ the organisations said.
The activists argue that Arunachal Pradesh, one of the world’s largest biodiversity hotspots, should focus on wildlife protection and sustainable development.
๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐ฌ:
The groups underscored the cultural and historical significance of the Siang River and other tribal territories, which have been the ancestral heritage of local communities for thousands of years.
The proposed dam, they argued, threatens the livelihoods, cultural practices, and sustenance of these communities. They invoked the legacy of great Adi Martyrs, emphasising that ancestral lands hold immeasurable value beyond monetary compensation.
๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ:
Instead of further exploiting the state’s rivers, the groups advocated for sustainable energy alternatives such as solar and wind power.
They called for the government to support small and medium social enterprises in partnership with indigenous communities.
Additionally, they urged a revision of the Arunachal Pradesh State Hydropower Policy 2008 to better align with the interests of the local populace rather than transnational corporations.
๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฅ:
The groups have further expressed concern that the projectโs classification as being of national importance might overshadow significant local concerns.
They urged the government to prioritize environmental conservation, community well-being, and self-determination over short-term economic gains.
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