Protests Erupt in Arunachal Pradesh Against Hydroelectric Project

Hundreds of residents in Daporijo, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district, protested on March 15, 2024, against the proposed 2,000 MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project. The demonstrators, primarily members of the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project Land Affected People’s Forum and local students, called on the state government to cancel the project, voicing their concerns over its impact on the environment and local communities.

The protesters marched through the town, chanting slogans that reflected their apprehensions. They asserted messages such as, “No Dam over Ane Subansiri River,” “Our ancestral land is precious, we cannot exchange it for compensation,” and “Protect lives, stop displacement.” Such expressions underscored the protesters’ deep emotional investment in their land and heritage.

Following their initial march, the group staged a sit-in outside the District Collector’s office. This demonstration aimed to draw attention to their demands, emphasizing the need for government officials to reconsider the implications of the hydropower project. The Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, which is set to be developed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd., involves constructing a dam on the Subansiri River, a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra River.

Critics of the project have raised alarms regarding potential environmental degradation and the displacement of local communities. Residents fear that the construction and operation of the dam could disrupt their way of life, which is closely tied to the land and river systems in the region. The protesters’ rallying cry reflects broader concerns over the balance between development and environmental conservation, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like Arunachal Pradesh.

The situation has drawn attention from various stakeholders, including environmental activists and local political leaders, who have expressed support for the protesters’ cause. As the debate over the project continues, the state government faces increasing pressure to address the concerns of its citizens while also considering the potential benefits of increased energy production.

As this situation develops, the outcome of the protests and the future of the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project remain uncertain. The voices of the residents of Daporijo will likely play a crucial role in shaping the decisions made by government officials and the NHPC as they navigate the complex interplay between energy needs and community rights.