Arunachal: Riga residents agree to pre-feasibility report for MoU on Siang project

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: In a major relief for the Arunachal Pradesh government, residents of Riga village in Siang district have given their consent and support in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the pre-feasibility report of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The decision was arrived at during a meeting between Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and representatives of Riga village led by Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing in Itanagar on Friday evening.

Taking to X, Khandu wrote, “Heartfelt thanks to the people of Riga for their consent and support in signing the MoU for the Pre-Feasibility Report of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a step taken in the larger national interest.”

“Your trust inspires us. We remain firmly committed to fulfilling all developmental aspirations of the community,” he wrote.

The chief minister further wrote that ‘as one of the largest Adi villages in the Siang belt, Riga holds a vital place in our collective journey toward progress and prosperity.’ Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing said, “Yes, people have given their consent for a PFR for the Siang project.”

Siang deputy commissioner didn't respond to repeated calls for a comment on the development.

Since the proposal to set up a mega dam on the Siang first came up in 2017, the proposal drew opposition from residents. The project, with an estimated installed capacity of 11,000 MW, has been facing opposition from local communities, since the proposal first came up in 2017, due to concerns about displacement, livelihood loss, and environmental impacts.

Till recently, people were against the PFR survey. Now the state government has taken another route- engage in dialogue- highlighting the project’s benefit and promise to hear the concerns of the people affected by the project.

The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum, which is leading the movement against the dam project, claimed that it is meaningless, as people from 27 affected villages are against the project.

Only 25% of Riga is affected, SIFF president Lamok Padun said. He accused the state government of pushing for the project by forcing BJP workers from Riga village to agree to sign for the MoU.

Padun disclosed that SIFF will hold a rally in protest against the development at Geku in Upper Siang district on July 14 next.

Also Read: Annual Smoke Offering Ceremony upholds sacred traditions in Arunachal

Also Watch: