Human Rights of Arunachal urges governments to stop drilling and pre-feasibility activities until concerns over land, environment and rehabilitation are addressed
Itanagar: Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) has extended support to communities opposing the proposed 11,000MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), urging the state and Central governments to suspend ongoing pre-feasibility surveys and drilling in Siang and Upper Siang districts.
HRA chairperson Kipa Kaha said recent protests in Uggeng and neighbouring areas reflected continuing concerns among indigenous communities over the project’s possible environmental and social consequences.
The organisation said the Siang River is closely linked to agriculture, biodiversity, cultural traditions and indigenous identity. It raised concerns over the potential impact on tribal land, homes and livelihoods, as well as seismic and ecological risks in the Himalayan region.
HRA also questioned the availability of project-related information, claiming that detailed reports, environmental impact assessments and rehabilitation plans had not been made sufficiently accessible.
The organisation called for independent geological and seismic studies and suggested examining smaller, decentralised hydropower alternatives. It also urged Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who holds the hydropower portfolio, to facilitate dialogue with affected communities.
HRA said its opposition was not against development itself but against projects undertaken without adequate consultation, environmental safeguards and protection of indigenous rights.
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