Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR : The Kamala Dam Affected People’s Forum (KDAPF-K3) on Friday raised serious concerns over the implementation of the proposed 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project, alleging irregularities in land acquisition, compensation assessment, forest diversion and administrative inaction while demanding greater transparency and protection of the rights of Project Affected Families (PAFs).
Addressing a press conference here, KDAPF-K3 Khyoda Appang informed that the forum is representing affected families from Kamle, Kra Daadi and Kurung Kumey while clarifying that it is not opposed to development or hydropower projects but maintained that development must not come at the cost of indigenous rights and environmental protection.
He alleged that it has received numerous complaints regarding inadequate consultation, lack of transparency, confusion over compensation entitlements and concerns over verification of land and property claims.
Claiming that the project is likely to enter the compensation assessment and billing stage soon, Khyoda urged the authorities to ensure rigorous verification of claims through field inspections, documentary scrutiny and village-level consultations so that genuine beneficiaries are not deprived while ineligible claimants are excluded.
Expressing environmental concerns, Khyoda stated that around 3,858.89 hectares of land, including about 3,278 hectares of forest land, are proposed for diversion. He argued that compensation should recognise customary land ownership, community resources, traditional livelihoods and ecological services, and not be limited to land valuation alone.
Khyoda further expressed concern over reports that nearly ₹470 crore meant for compensatory afforestation and biodiversity restoration could be utilised outside Arunachal Pradesh. It urged the state government to take up the matter with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to ensure ecological restoration measures are implemented primarily within the affected districts.
Reiterating that the forum is not seeking to halt the project, Khyoda said it only seeks a lawful, transparent and equitable process that safeguards the rights of indigenous communities. He urged the state government, NHPC and district administrations to ensure accountability, legal compliance and protection of the rights of all genuine Project Affected Families before large-scale compensation disbursement begins.
The forum appealed to the Deputy Commissioners, DLRSOs, Circle Officers, NHPC officials and all authorities associated with the project to maintain transparency and prevent malpractice, favouritism and irregularities during the compensation process.
It has submitted representations to the Chief Secretary and Commissioner (Land Management) A.K. Singh, seeking strict implementation of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. However, it alleged that despite repeated representations and meetings, no meaningful action has been taken till date.
