ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Jul 17: The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) has opposed any attempt to construct the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) dam in Upper Siang, criticizing the government for not seeking consent from the native people.
Speaking to the media, SIFF President Gegong Jijong informed that the forum has met with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who is also the Minister of Power. "During meeting we have clearly informed the DCM that , if we don’t want the dam, then there is no need for a survey for the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR). No survey, no dam—that’s our direct call," he said.
He also cautioned the state government against using force to construct the dam, warning that it may create law and order issues in the area. "We have no demands; we only want to protect our land. Every villager, even the Gram Sabha, has given their decision against the dam in our area,” reiterated the President SIFF.
Legal Advisor for SIFF, Bhanu Tatak, questioned  Chief Minister Pema Khandu of making false promises to the public during election campaigns. "Pema Khandu assured the public in Siang during his 2024 election campaigns that no dam shall be built in Siang if the public doesn't agree, and that the government is coordinating with the Community Based Organization (ABK). Khandu had  stated that India is a democratic country, and no development project shall start without the people's consent.”
Bhanu also appealed to the leaders of the Siang belt to stand with the public instead of the government, emphasizing their role as public representatives.
Tatak also informed that villagers have opposed the model village initiatives under CSR activities by power developers. "Even the court has directed that no dam should be constructed without the consent of the public," she added, affirming that they won't bow down.
Public consultations for the PFR of the proposed SUMP were held by the Deputy Commissioner of Siang and the Deputy Commissioner of Upper Siang on June 22, 2024, and June 24, 2024, respectively. The public outrightly rejected the proposed survey for the dam with a clear message: No Dam, No Survey.
Moreover, the proposed model villages at Komkar, Gete, and Pangkang have been outrightly rejected by the people of Komkar and Gete villages. An official meeting regarding the proposal for the model village relocation for Pangkang village is yet to be conducted, but the people oppose it vehemently, she stated.

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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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