Shillong Times
October 6, 2015
Itanagar: Opposing mega dams on the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh, an NGO on Monday appealed to the Centre not to give environmental clearance against all mega dams in Siang belt comprising four districts of Siang, East Siang, Upper Siang and West Siang.
The Siang People’s Forum (SPF) in a memorandum to Union Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar made it clear the people of the four districts would not compromise on its demand of scrapping all mega dams over the Siang river.
The Forum while informing that the issue of mega dam over Siang was pending with the Gauhati High Court after a PIL was filed this year, it urged the minister not to give clearance to the projects recklessly against the wish of the indigenous people.
The NGO is backed up by the State government as the construction of this mega dam might lead to consequences which will harm the indigenous people.
The State government declared that it will always aim for the betterment of the people of the region as it is the priority.
Endorsement of projects which will not benefit the local people is not acceptable by the state government.
Union minister declared that the dam only produce electricity but also help in regulation of flood.
The Brahmaputra river is locally known as Siang in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. (PTI)
