ITANAGAR, OCT 27:
Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene in the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), seeking an independent reassessment of the project and an impartial examination of the functioning of the High-Power Committee (HPC) chaired by state minister Ojin Tasing.
In a representation dated October 27, HRA chairman Dr Kipa Kaha called for appropriate action against Tasing, including removal from the committee’s chairmanship if an impartial inquiry establishes serious administrative failures or neglect of responsibilities. The organisation also said any question concerning his continuation as a state minister should be considered by the competent authorities under applicable constitutional and legal procedures.
HRA urged the Centre and the state government to commission independent assessments of SUMP’s technical feasibility, environmental impact, geological and seismic risks, social consequences and long-term economic viability. It stressed that affected communities’ customary land rights, livelihoods, cultural identity and ecological concerns must be considered before irreversible decisions are taken.
The organisation also proposed feasibility studies of alternative hydropower projects with indicative capacities of 1,500 MW, 2,000 MW, 1,200 MW and 1,000 MW. It said all options should undergo rigorous scientific, environmental and social assessment, noting that smaller projects should not automatically be presumed safer.
HRA appealed to Chief Minister Pema Khandu to convene an inclusive round-table conference involving elected representatives, Panchayat leaders, traditional community representatives, student organisations, affected indigenous communities, landowners, civil society groups, government departments and independent technical experts. It called for the proceedings, recommendations and subsequent government action to be made publicly accessible.
On employment and livelihood protection, HRA recommended examining the feasibility of providing 40 per cent reservation for eligible local candidates in Grade B, C and D posts associated with hydropower projects, wherever legally permissible. It also proposed exploring employment for at least one eligible member of each land-affected family, subject to applicable laws and transparent criteria.
The representation called for greater transparency in compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement plans, employment commitments and community benefits, along with skills training, apprenticeships, grievance-redressal mechanisms and independent monitoring.
HRA further urged the authorities to respect applicable constitutional safeguards, environmental laws, land-related protections and legally required consultation and consent procedures. It said administrative meetings and committee proceedings should not substitute for meaningful public participation or legally required consent.
The organisation asked the Union Home Minister to take cognisance of its concerns, encourage an independent reassessment of SUMP and alternative hydropower models, and promote transparent decision-making that protects indigenous rights and livelihoods.
Describing the Siang River as central to the lives, livelihoods and cultural identity of communities in the basin, HRA said development decisions should involve meaningful public participation and safeguard the interests of affected people.
