𝐒𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐠𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬

ITANAGAR, September 22: Adi Bane Kebang United (ABKU) has submitted a memorandum-cum-resolution to the Arunachal Pradesh government, demanding the scrapping of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and an immediate halt to its Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities. The memorandum follows a consultative committee meeting held at Geku in Upper Siang on September 16, where concerns were raised over the proposed storage-type mega dam and its possible impact on people, land, traditional institutions and the environment. ABKU alleged a lack of transparency in the signing of MoUs, claiming that some agreements were obtained without following traditional Adi customary procedures, including the convening of the Kebang. It also questioned the selection of beneficiaries under the Special Development Package. The apex body further raised concerns over the possible submergence of villages, administrative areas and historical places, along with potential ecological and downstream safety risks. It cited previous dam-related disasters in different parts of the world while highlighting the seismic vulnerability of the Himalayan region. ABKU has placed five demands before the government: scrapping SUMP, halting PFR activities, withdrawal of additional central and state security personnel beyond sanctioned strength in Siang and Upper Siang, revocation of suspension orders against GBs, and protection of traditional Adi customary laws and practices. The organisation clarified that its opposition is not against dams in general, but specifically against storage-type mega dams in Adi-inhabited areas. #arunachalpradesh #damproject