Dollungmukh, Arunachal Pradesh: Local communities impacted by one of India’s largest hydropower projects are growing restless. The Subansiri Lower Project Implementation Committee (SULPIC), representing affected families, has given NHPC a seven-day deadline to address their long-standing grievances.
If demands are not met, the group plans to launch an indefinite bandh at the project site beginning June 9.
Background of the Dispute
The 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project has been a source of both hope and tension for years. While it promises significant power generation, many local families feel their concerns about rehabilitation, land, and environment have been ignored for too long.
In a formal memorandum submitted to NHPC’s Executive Director at Dollungmukh in Kamle district, SULPIC highlighted that repeated talks since 2009 have failed to deliver results.
Key Demands from Affected Families
The committee has put forward several specific requests:
- Recognition of more families: Immediate inclusion of Bini, Kina, and Nido clans as Project Affected Families (PAFs)
- Area declaration: Official recognition of Persin Block as a project-affected zone
- Office functioning: Proper operation of the Executive Director’s office at Kolaptukar as per earlier agreements
- Environmental action: Clearance of forests and trees in the submergence area
- Fresh surveys: New DGPS survey and proper assessment of backflow immergence
Environmental and Land Concerns
Communities worry that the original land acquisition of around 1,562.8 hectares relied heavily on aerial surveys rather than detailed ground checks. A joint inspection in April revealed that significant areas are already facing submergence effects even at the current dam height.
They also raised alarms about uncleared vegetation in the submergence zone, warning that rotting biomass could harm water quality and aquatic life in the Subansiri River.
Why It Matters
The Subansiri Lower Project is a critical infrastructure initiative in India’s Northeast. However, unresolved issues with local communities risk delaying benefits for the entire region. Sustainable development requires balancing energy needs with fair treatment of those who lose their land and livelihood.
What Happens Next
The ball is now in NHPC’s court. The company is yet to respond publicly to the latest memorandum. If the seven-day deadline passes without concrete action, protests could begin on June 9, potentially halting work at the site.
Observers expect increased dialogue between authorities, NHPC, and local representatives in the coming days to prevent escalation.
Key Highlights
- SULPIC issues 7-day ultimatum to NHPC
- Indefinite bandh threatened from June 9
- Major demands on family recognition and environmental clearance
- Concerns over inadequate land surveys and compensation
- Project located in Kamle district, Arunachal Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Subansiri Lower Project? It is a 2,000 MW hydroelectric power project on the Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh, developed by NHPC.
Q2: Why are Project Affected Families protesting? They claim long-pending issues related to proper family recognition, fair compensation, land assessment, and environmental safeguards remain unresolved despite years of representations.
Q3: When could the bandh start? The indefinite shutdown at the project site is scheduled to begin at 5 AM on June 9 if demands are not addressed within seven days.
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