Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Sunday, September 27, constituted a study-cum-fact-finding committee to assess the situation in the Siang region and other areas affected by proposed large hydropower projects, with a particular focus on the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
The move comes amid protests and concerns raised by communities in areas that could be affected by the proposed projects, as well as reports of paramilitary personnel being deployed in the Siang region in connection with the SUMP.
The committee was constituted by APCC president Bosiram Siram and will be headed by APCC working president Tanga Byaling. Takam Sanjoy has been appointed vice chairman, while advocate Tami Pangu will serve as secretary. Daniel Gao and Johny Yangfo are members.
The panel has been asked to engage with project-affected families, village elders, community-based organisations and other stakeholders to assess the potential social, environmental and livelihood impacts of the proposed hydropower projects.
It will also examine issues concerning land acquisition, rehabilitation and the deployment of security forces. The committee has been directed to submit a detailed fact-finding report, including its observations and recommendations, within 15 days of its notification.
During its first meeting, the committee formed a nine-member sub-committee to conduct field visits to affected areas. Pangu, who is the member secretary of the main committee, will lead the sub-committee.
The APCC said the proposed village-to-village visits would help assess ground realities amid differing accounts and concerns raised by the government and residents in the affected areas.
The Congress committee has also invited political parties, civil society organisations, student groups, community-based organisations, traditional institutions, panchayati raj institution representatives, women’s groups, youth organisations and representatives of affected villages to participate in the exercise.
The APCC has asked each organisation to nominate at least one representative within three days to accompany the sub-committee during its field visits.
According to the party, the representatives will have an opportunity to present their concerns, grievances, views and observations regarding the proposed projects and the situation in the affected areas.
The APCC said the exercise would document the concerns of local communities and produce a report for submission to the Arunachal Pradesh government and the people of the state.
The party said wider participation from political parties, civil society organisations, community institutions and affected residents would help make the fact-finding exercise more inclusive.
The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is a major hydropower and multipurpose project in Arunachal Pradesh. Sections of local communities have raised concerns over its potential implications for land, livelihoods, the environment and indigenous communities.