Sun Oct 06 09:06:45 UTC 2024: ## Hundreds Protest Proposed Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh

**GEKU, ARUNACHAL PRADESH:** Hundreds of indigenous villagers in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district demonstrated on Saturday against a proposed 12,500-megawatt hydropower project. The protest, organized by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), targeted the preliminary study being conducted for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Approximately 600 villagers gathered in Geku, chanting slogans against the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) and the Chief Minister. The protest, which lasted from 8 AM to 1 PM, remained peaceful, according to officials.

The NHPC has proposed three dam locations within the Upper Siang and Siang districts. The project, however, has been met with strong opposition from the Adi community, who fear it will displace them and cause significant environmental damage.

Donggo Libang, general secretary of the SIFF, stated that the dam would threaten their land, environment, and way of life. He emphasized the potential submergence of crucial wet rice cultivation fields and villages, along with the infringement of indigenous rights.

Last month, the Upper Siang district administration issued notices to government employees and village heads who participated in anti-dam protests. Similar protests against the project took place in Siang district on August 31.

The government, however, has promoted the project as a vital step towards improving the region’s infrastructure and economy. Despite this, the ongoing protests highlight the deep concerns of the indigenous communities about the potential social and environmental impacts of the proposed hydropower project.

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