Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Feb 27: Alleging that state government had entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with NEEPCO (a power developer) without taking the consensus of the affected people, the Siang Indigenous Farmer’s Forum (SIFF) on Tuesday urged the state government to write to the NITI Ayog for immediate cancellation of the proposed 10,000 MW dam on Siang River.
The NITI Aayog has proposed a multipurpose river valley project for Siang River.
The proposed project is estimated to be a 300 metre high dam with power generation capacity of 10,000MW.
Addressing reporters here at the Press Club on Tuesday, SIFF general secretary Tasik Pangkam stated that the state government had executed the MoA with NEEPCO without taking consent from affected and indigenous people of the area.
“How can the government go on to sign MoA with the NEEPCO without the knowledge of land owners? We will not let it happen,” said Pangkam, while protesting over the MoA.
“If the project, Siang Upper Stage-II is built, entire Yingkiong town will be in danger,” he added.
The forum general secretary further divulged that the NEEPCO had already deposited Rs 100 crore upfront money to the state government exchequer in 2013-14 against the said project.
The forum has been protesting against the proposed mega dam over the mighty Siang River and had submitted a memorandum to Narendra Modi on 22nd February, 2014 when he came to campaign for the BJP.
The forum also stated that during the public meeting at Jengging in 2015, which was chaired by Power Commissioner Kaling Tayeng, the affected people opposed the proposed Siang Upper Stage-II Hydro Electric Project.
It also questioned Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Alo Libang for ‘keeping mum’ on the issue.
The organisation claimed that Libang, who is the local MLA, had assured that no mega dam would be allowed to be built over the Siang River.
The forum also expressed resentment over the alleged denial of appointment to meet Chief Minister Pema Khandu over the issue.
