HT Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Oct 11: A detailed consultative discussion on the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) was held on Saturday at the NHPC Office Complex in Pasighat, East Siang district, bringing together officials of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and representatives of the East Siang Downstream Dam Affected People’s Forum (ESDDAPF).
The meeting aimed to foster dialogue, address concerns of the local community, and ensure that the project progresses in a manner that balances development objectives with environmental and social considerations.
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The ESDDAPF delegation was led by its president, Oni Tamuk, accompanied by vice-president Nalo Ering and general secretary Jobomchang Mengu.
Other members of the forum also participated, raising issues and queries related to the impact of the dam on downstream communities, riverbank stability, and long-term ecological effects.
Amar Nath Jha, General Manager (Civil) and Head of Project, Siang Lower Project, NHPC, provided a comprehensive briefing on the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
He highlighted the strategic importance of SUMP as a national initiative designed to strengthen water security, provide flood moderation, and generate renewable energy.
Jha explained that the project is not only a hydropower venture but also a multi-dimensional developmental effort aimed at enhancing infrastructure, generating employment, and supporting community welfare programmes in the region.
Emphasising the safety and sustainability aspects of the project, Jha stated that the dam has been engineered to protect downstream areas from flash floods.
He explained that the regulated release of water will control riverbank erosion and mitigate risks to communities living along the Siang River.
He further elaborated that the dam will serve as a vital safeguard for the Adi community, strengthening the resilience of local settlements and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Siang region.
Jha appealed to the members of ESDDAPF to support the preparation of the Project Feasibility Report (PFR) and assist in creating grassroots awareness about the objectives and benefits of SUMP.
He underscored the importance of community participation in the planning and implementation phases to ensure that the project is inclusive and responsive to the needs of affected populations.
During the discussion, Oni Tamuk, Nalo Ering, and Jobomchang Mengu raised several concerns on behalf of the forum, including the potential impact of dam operations on riverbank erosion, sedimentation, and downstream livelihoods.
They emphasised the need for effective monitoring mechanisms, transparent communication, and timely dissemination of information regarding project activities.
In response, NHPC officials assured the forum that vulnerable locations prone to soil erosion due to dam discharge will be identified during the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage and will be addressed through comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) studies.
The officials also highlighted that measures would be taken to mitigate any adverse social or environmental impacts, ensuring the protection of communities and ecosystems downstream.
The meeting was marked by a spirit of open dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive exchange of ideas.
Both NHPC and ESDDAPF acknowledged the importance of collaboration to ensure that the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project achieves its objectives while maintaining environmental integrity and social responsibility.
NHPC reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with community organizations, conduct regular consultations, and implement measures that would benefit the region, particularly the local tribal communities.
The consultative discussion concluded with a consensus on continued engagement between NHPC and ESDDAPF, with plans for follow-up meetings and workshops to address ongoing concerns, monitor project implementation, and ensure that development benefits reach all stakeholders in a sustainable and equitable manner.
The event highlighted the significance of participatory development in large-scale infrastructure projects, emphasizing the balance between progress, ecological preservation, and community welfare.
