Arunachal govt batting for dam developers, says activist at UN event

Arunachal govt batting for dam developers, says activist at UN event

GUWAHATI An Arunachal Pradesh-based human rights and anti-dam activist said the BJP government in the State had become an advocate of big dam developers, ignoring years of resistance and the potential threat to the people and the ecology.

On November 25, the Union Cabinet approved the 240 MW Heo and the 186 MW Tato-1 Hydroelectric Projects, both in the Shi-Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh, worth ₹3,698 crore. Around the same time, Ebo Mili of the North East Human Rights urged the United Nations to address the issues the project-affected indigenous people have been facing in India’s easternmost State.

Speaking at the 13th annual United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights in Switzerland’s Geneva, Mr. Mili focussed on the critical issue of land rights for indigenous people, particularly in the context of large-scale land acquisitions. He highlighted the ongoing struggle of indigenous communities to protect their ancestral lands amid “increasing pressures” from the State government and the MLAs, who have often “become advocates for dam developers”.

He emphasised the violation of the free, prior and informed consent principle, citing the long-standing resistance against the 3,000 MW Dibang Multipurpose Dam project.

“Despite decades of opposition, the project proceeded, resulting in the loss of land, forests, and rivers for compensation that amounted to approximately 40% of the actual value,” he said.

He pointed out the failure of local leaders and the administration to adequately support the families affected by the project.

Mr. Mili also shed light on the continuous pressure from the State government for the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose project. He criticised the use of strategic defence narratives, concerns over Chinese dams, and nationalistic rhetoric to justify the project.