Villagers from Geku and nearby areas in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district have intensified their protest against the deployment of security forces for conducting the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey of the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
The protesters continue to block entry routes to the region, preventing the movement of machinery intended for the survey sites. Amid the ongoing agitation, the Adi Bané Kébang-United (ABK-U) submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioners of Siang and Upper Siang districts on Thursday, demanding an immediate suspension of all PFR-related activities.
The memorandum conveyed resolutions adopted during a recent consultative meeting in Geku, where a majority of residents from Geku, Komkar and other affected villages reportedly opposed the project. Citing the sentiments of the local population, the organisation urged authorities to abandon the proposed mega hydroelectric project, stating that it lacks public support.
ABK-U also expressed concerns over the safety of such a large-scale dam in a seismically sensitive region. The organisation warned that the project could pose significant environmental risks, potentially affecting the river-based civilisation of the Adi community and damaging downstream aquatic ecosystems.
Meanwhile, representatives of anti-dam groups, including the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum Youth Wing and the SUMP Affected Area Youth Forum (SAAYA), met leaders of Mising organisations in Jonai of Assam’s Dhemaji district on Thursday. The meeting focused on seeking support for the ongoing movement and raising concerns over the project’s possible impact on the environment, livelihoods and socio-cultural life of communities living downstream in Assam.
