The Arunachal’s East Siang Downstream Dam Affected Peoples’ Forum (ESDDAPF) has urgently appealed to the government for intervention to safeguard the lives, lands, and properties of downstream communities.
These communities face the imminent threat of significant impact from the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), slated for construction in the upper reaches of the Siang River within Siang and Upper Siang districts.
Following the government’s declaration to construct a massive reservoir dam in Upper Siang, representatives from 24 villages surrounding Pasighat Township, along with intellectuals, retired personnel, NGOs, and experts, convened a public meeting in Gidi Notko, Pasighat, on October 8th. This meeting culminated in the formation of the ESDDAPF, as informed by Jobomchang Mengu.
In a subsequent meeting held on December 21st, preceding a press conference, the assembly unanimously elected Oni Tamuk and Jobomchang Mengu as President and General Secretary, respectively. This solidified the formation of the East Siang Downstream Dam Affected People’s Forum (ESDDAPF), a unified organization representing the interests of the people of East Siang District.
This movement has now expanded to encompass all 72 villages within East Siang District, united in their pursuit of protection from the potential adverse consequences of the dam in Upper Siang, should the government proceed with its construction.
Today’s consultative meeting of ESDDAPF concluded with the aim of further strengthening its organizational structure. The meeting was attended by a substantial number of central executive members, block executive members, and representatives from various youth and student organizations, according to ESDDAPF office bearers.
“The primary objective of this forum is to secure government acknowledgment of East Siang District as a direct impact zone of SUMP. ESDDAPF will actively strive to safeguard East Siang District from the potential economic, social, and environmental devastation that may arise from the construction of SUMP. Moreover, ESDDAPF will soon engage with the government to address its future demands and present formal memorandums,” emphasized ESDDAPF President Oni Tamuk.
“ESDDAPF currently boasts a 50-member core committee and decentralized branches operating within all 72 villages across East Siang District. The organization actively receives technical insights from various national agencies possessing expertise in assessing the downstream impacts of dams,” stated ESDDAPF General Secretary Jobomchang Mengu.
The National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) has identified three potential sites within the Upper Siang and Siang districts for the dam’s construction. These sites include a location between Parong and Deging villages, another near Ugeng village, and a third between Ditte-Dime and Geku, according to officials.
Several local organizations and community members, spearheaded by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), are vehemently opposing the project, citing concerns that the dam will displace indigenous populations and inflict severe environmental damage. Conversely, the government champions these projects as pivotal steps towards enhancing the region’s infrastructure and economy, while simultaneously serving as a deterrent to potential future destruction in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam from Chinese mega dams being constructed in the upper reaches of the Siang River within the China-occupied Tibet Autonomous Region, citing national security concerns.
