Tinsukia: An alliance representing downstream communities in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the two governments, demanding rehabilitation, flood protection and other safeguards linked to the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project.
The Dibang Dam Assam-Arunachal Downstream Action Alliance, formed on October 17, 2026, has called for immediate intervention by both governments, seeking Project Affected Family (PAF) status for families living downstream of the proposed dam.
The alliance has also demanded public hearings in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts and the construction of guide walls, embankments and protection walls along the downstream stretch from the dam site in Arunachal Pradesh.
To support its demand for downstream protection measures, the alliance cited an August 26, 2024 communication from the Arunachal Pradesh government. It said the protective works should be completed before the dam is commissioned.
“It would be imperative if the downstream protection measures are carried out prior to commissioning of dam,” the alliance said in a statement.
Another key demand is the allocation of 12% free power to the Assam government. The alliance cited arrangements under which Arunachal Pradesh receives free power from hydroelectric projects in the state.
It said the demand was justified by Assam’s exposure to downstream flooding and potential dam-break risks, as well as the use of its territory for transporting construction materials, plant and machinery to the project site.
The alliance has given the governments 10 days from the receipt of its notice to address the demands.
Warning of possible action if the deadline is not met, it said, “no construction material, machinery, tools, plant or equipment of any description intended for the Dibang Dam site shall be permitted passage through our territory”.
The ultimatum comes amid renewed debate over large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, which has faced sustained opposition in the Siang Valley.
The Arunachal Pradesh government has maintained that the Siang project remains at the pre-feasibility stage and that no decision on its construction has been taken.
Recent developments surrounding the project include the release of four protesters detained over their opposition to it. The government described the move as a goodwill gesture aimed at creating conditions for dialogue.
Against this backdrop, the Dibang alliance has called for time-bound action on its demands, warning that failure to comply within 10 days could lead to restrictions on the movement of construction materials and equipment intended for the dam site.