Siang River recedes, Ering writes to PM

Itagar, Nov 27: Lok Sabha MP from Aruchal East Constituency Ninong Ering on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister rendra Modi, pleading him to take up the matter with the Chinese government on the unusual receding of Siang River at Pasighat and the sudden change in the water quality. 

The situation, hypothetically, is due to possible diversion of the river in Tibet as it is unusual to see the water level receding in winter, Ering said.

While visiting the Siang River at Pasighat in East Siang district on Saturday, Ering said that the recent report of Chi constructing a tunnel of 1000 KM to divert the Siang (Brahmaputra) water to the Xinjiang Province to the Taklamakan Desert is likely to be true. However, Chi has denied the allegation.

The letter stated that the report of Tsangpo (Siang/Brahmaputra) being diverted had appeared a few months ago. Though Chi denied it, the matter remains an issue of concern as the river has suddenly undergone a change in its appearance and character.

“It has already been two months that the Siang river turned black and contamited. It is an unusual phenomenon. The reason for the river getting dirty is unknown. I’ve already put up questions for discussions in the Parliament under rule 377.”

“As parliament is not in session, I request you to use your good office to seek the reason for the river water getting muddy in this season.  Construction of a 600- km long tunnel has already started in the Yunn province,” Ering stated in the letter.

The Congress MP further said there is no other reason for the mighty Siang, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, getting dirty in the month of November except heavy land excavation in Chi that needs to be verified by an intertiol team.

“It is a serious issue and the Centre must take cognizance of the matter at the earliest,” he said.

Ering said a large number of fish has also died in the Siang river in recent times. This was confirmed from Tuting and Geling areas in Upper Siang district, which is close to Chi border, Ering added.

He has also appealed to the Ministry of Exterl Affairs and Water Resources to expedite measures to check the diversion.