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 region’s environment and its people.
Union minister Lal is currently on an official tour of Itanagar.
𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭:
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.
“The flooding in downstream Assam, exacerbated by dam-induced incidents, underscores the dire need for a shift in focus from damage control to sustainable solutions,” the unions said.
𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬:
The letter also raised alarm about the increasing number of glacial lakes forming due to rising global temperatures.
“This 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,” 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.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬:
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.
𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
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.
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐥:
The groups have further expressed concern that the project’s 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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