Public Rejects Proposed Siang Upper Dam Project

A public consultation on the 12,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh saw strong opposition from local communities. With concerns over environmental impacts and public consent, the project-affected families and community leaders rejected the pre-feasibility report and proposed dam, stressing the importance of respecting public sentiments.

A public consultation meeting on the 12,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project raised significant opposition from local communities in Arunachal Pradesh. The event, organized by the All Upper Siang District Students' Union (AUSDSU) in Yingkiong, drew participation from elected officials, civil society, and families affected by the project.

MLA Alo Libang stressed that the project would not proceed without public support, even proposing a five percent revenue share as an incentive. However, Ninong Ering, another MLA, called for the completion of the project's pre-feasibility report, while facing resistance from the Siang Indigenous Farmers Federation (SIFF), whose representatives opposed the dam project altogether.

The consultation ended with a unified decision by affected families to reject both the pre-feasibility report and the dam proposal, citing environmental concerns and the need for public consent. AUSDSU emphasized that their opposition should be reflected in state and national forums.

(With inputs from agencies.)