Editor,
We, the people of Taksing, would like to respectfully bring to your attention our grievances concerning the environmental public hearing conducted on 10 September, 2024, for the 2,220 MW Oju Hydroelectric Project (HEP), organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) under the Environmental (Protection) Act 1986.
The hearing, held at Reddi village in Taksing circle of Upper Subansiri district, was reported in The Arunachal Times on 11 September. 2024.
The article in The Arunachal Times mentioned that the project developer addressed all concerns and grievances aired during the public hearing. Unfortunately, this claim does not reflect the reality experienced by the project-affected people. While we, the people of Taksing, welcome such development projects for the benefit of our area, state, and nation, it is imperative that these projects are carried out transparently, with the consent and full understanding of the affected communities.
The Oju HEP was awarded to Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd on a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) basis by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in 2010. Since then, the project proponent has been engaged in survey work. However, despite over a decade of operations, they have failed to gain the confidence of the local communities directly affected by the project. Worse still, the government at the time did not consult the affected communities before awarding the project, leaving us voiceless in a matter that profoundly impacts our lives.
Initially, the developer made numerous promises, offering maximum benefits to the people of Taksing and Limeking circles. However, after years of close observation, the affected communities feel neglected and deprived of their rightful benefits, while non-project-affected people appear to have benefited instead.
After conducting a detailed study of the draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, the Oju Upstream Project Affected Committee (OUPAC) has identified several contradictions and discrepancies in its content. Therefore, the OUPAC, representing the major project-affected families, now stands united in our demand for a fair resolution. We call upon both the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the developer to engage in a meaningful dialogue with us to address our concerns and ensure that the project proceeds with transparency and fairness.
A memorandum has been submitted to the member secretary (IFS) and the chairperson of the Environmental Public Hearing, Deputy Commissioner Daporijo. In this memorandum, we have clearly stated that, after thorough consultation with the affected families, the OUPAC has decided not to grant environmental clearance to the Oju HEP unless our grievances are adequately addressed.
We urge the authorities concerned to consider our plea with the seriousness it deserves, ensuring that development comes hand in hand with justice for the people who are most affected.
Bharat Chedar,
Chairperson, OUPAC