Pasighat: The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) recently staged a massive protest against the proposed 12,500 mega-watt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
Hundreds of residents in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district took part in the demonstration against the proposed 12,500-megawatt hydropower project.
The protest was organized by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) in Geku village.
Demonstrators in the Upper Siang district vehemently opposed the preliminary assessment conducted in the area for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
The villagers, who gathered at the spot, raised slogans against the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
The NHPC has proposed three sites in the Upper Siang and Siang districts for the construction of the dam. One site is between Parong and Deging villages, one at Ugeng near Riga village and another between Ditte-Dime and Geku, officials said.
Notably, the NHPC has been conducting surveys at the proposed sites to prepare a feasibility report for the project.
SIFF general secretary Donggo Libang said the Adi community were opposing the project as it would be a threat to their land, environment and way of life.
In September, the Upper Siang district administration served notices to several government employees and ‘gaon burahs’ or village heads for joining the protests.
Several anti-dam groups also organized a protest rally at Dite Dime in Siang district on August 31.
Locals are opposing the project, claiming that the dam would displace the indigenous people and cause damage to the environment.
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The government, on the other hand, has touted the proposed hydropower project as a crucial initiative to bolster the region’s infrastructure and economic development.
