ITANAGAR: A day after National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd. (NHPC) sought to allay concerns over the safety of proposed dams in Arunachal Pradesh, the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and members from all Siang dam-affected villages have opposed the implementation of NHPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in the district.
In a coordination meeting held in Parong Dere on Wednesday, concerns were raised regarding the lack of consultation with affected villages before the allocation of CSR funds for projects in the region.
Questions were raised about the allocation process itself, with villagers expressing apprehensions about potential violations of a Gauhati High Court order favouring SIFF.
The SIFF and dam-affected villages unanimously rejected the allocation of Rs 16.61 crores in Siang for CSR projects, citing concerns about potential corrupt practices and criticising the lack of transparency in the allocation process.
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SIFF issued a statement highlighting alleged forced surveys conducted by Pangin-Boleng constituency MLA Ojing Tasing and Chief Minister Pema Khandu for the Siang dam’s pre-feasibility study, despite opposition from the community.
The release also accused the district administration and Boleng SP of harassing villagers to vacate their homes for NHPC’s purposes.
The meeting concluded with the withdrawal of support for any candidate who endorsed the dam project and a demand for support for their cause in the state assembly.
Earlier on March 5, the NHPC sought to allay concerns over the safety of proposed dams in Arunachal Pradesh.
Citing existing studies, NHPC highlighted that the peaks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) at dam sites are significantly lower than the average monsoon flood levels for the Subansiri, Siang, and Dibang basin projects.
The corporation also highlighted the robust design of its dams in Arunachal Pradesh, constructed using concrete known for its superior resistance to failure compared to other materials.
NHPC’s reassurance follows public concerns about the safety of mega dam construction in Arunachal Pradesh following the tragic GLOF incident in Sikkim’s Teesta Valley in October 2023.
