Itanagar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports highlighting growing opposition to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh, following concerns of displacement, ecological damage, and loss of livelihoods among local communities.
Acting on a report dated May 23, the NHRC noted that around 400 people, led by a human rights activist and the Convenor of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), staged a protest in Beging village in Siang district against the hydropower project. The protestors have also expressed opposition to the deployment of central armed forces in the region to facilitate the project’s pre-feasibility survey.
The Commission observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise serious concerns of potential human rights violations. It has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Arunachal Pradesh, seeking a detailed report in the matter within two weeks.
The NHRC has sought information on the status of the project, steps taken to address the concerns of local residents, and any use of force in connection with the protests.
Amid the growing unrest, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday clarified that the project would proceed only after the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) and a subsequent public hearing. Speaking to the media in Itanagar, Khandu emphasized that the PFR was a non-intrusive step to assess geological viability and would not involve any physical displacement or damage to land or property.
“Once the PFR is complete, we will have a public hearing and only proceed based on the will of the people,” Khandu said, adding that the report would also identify potentially submerged areas, impacted villages and required mitigation measures.
He reiterated the strategic importance of the Siang project, calling it not just a power initiative but a national security imperative in view of China’s proposed 60,000 MW dam near the Indian border.
“China’s upstream hydropower plans are a serious concern for India. Unregulated release of water could cause massive flooding in Siang valley and parts of Assam. Conversely, if water is withheld, the Siang may dry up during winters,” he warned.
The NHRC said it would take further action in the matter upon receiving the state government’s response.
Also read: Siang Dam a strategic shield, will proceed only after PFR, public hearing: Khandu
