ES Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 4: A multi-purpose river valley project proposed by NITI Aayog on the Siang river with approximate power generation capacity of 10000 MW in Upper Siang district is facing stiff opposition from locals. On Wednesday the Siang Indigenous Farmers Association (SIFA) affirmed to fight “tooth & nail”, if the government fails to rollback what it calls an illogical move immediately.

Armed with RTI documents, Secretary, SIFA, Tasak Pangkam while addressing a press conference demanded White Paper on spending of amount of 200 crore, out of  250 crore sanctioned by the  NEEPCO as upfront or procession fees for the stage (II),(3750)MW mega dam project in Upper Siang.

Justifying its claims, Pangkam alleged that through RTI documents it has obtained a challan receipt payment of 50 crores which was deposited to state exchequer on May, 2013 last by NEEPCO regarding the stage (II) project.

He disclosed that the matter came to light during a meeting held with Project manager of NEEPCO, S Poddu and Bhupen Saikia at Yingkiong on September 2015 last, where the officials mentioned and confirmed successful payment of 250 crore to the state government.

Affirming to go to any extent to save its land, Pangkam condemned the Pema-led government for intentionally playing with the sentiments of the people of the area by renewing the proposal, which was dropped by the previous Nabam Tuki government acknowledging the resistance of the locals against the dam.

Giving an overview of the project, Pangkam opined that the said proposed dam with 300 meter height would submerge agriculture and forest land of many Adi villages of the districts including the downstream land in Assam and Arunachal also, resulting in forceful displacement of people from their ancestral lands and natural source of irrigation.

"The state government cannot force the project as the dam site falls in tribal area and it is upon the people to decide whether to allow it or not. The hasty decision taken by both central and state government is not only illegal, but also contradicts the ST Forest Right Act, 2006 passed in Parliament,” he alleged.

Pangkam alleged that the decision was against the wishes of affected people that too without conducting any public hearing nor constituting a social impact assessment committee to assess public views and opinions. ‘Even approval of Gram Sabha members, which is mandatory as per Supreme Court direction before going ahead with such projects was not taken,’ he added.

Disclosing that it had conducted a survey to draw opinions, in which all the people of Adi belt strongly opposed the dam including people of Assam, Pangkam alleged that their demands  have gone unheard in the government corridors despite repeated submission of memorandums.

Further categorically saying “No” to any kind of compensation, rehabilitation or development packages etc, the association said that it would launch rigorous movement if the government fails to pay heed to their demands within one month. It also cautioned the government that it will be responsible for any law & order problems or untoward incident during the protest.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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