APCC prez meets Rahul, raises concern over proposed Siang project
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He warned that the mega dam, with a proposed height of more than 300 metres, will lead to the displacement of nearly 1.5 lakh indigenous tribal people and the submergence of over 27 villages in the Siang region.
During a meeting with leader of opposition in Lok Sabha,
, in New Delhi, Siram emphasized that the project posed a grave threat to the ecology, cultural heritage and livelihoods in Siang, Upper Siang, East Siang and adjoining districts.
He said the dam would result in the permanent loss of ancestral homes, jhum fields (shifting cultivation lands), paddy lands, and community infrastructure and would also impact sacred cultural landmarks such as Kekar Monying.
Siram alleged that surveys and feasibility studies for the project were being carried out forcibly, often with the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces. He argued that this violated provisions under Article 371(H) of the Constitution, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
He further said Arunachal Pradesh was situated in seismic zone-V, the highest-risk earthquake category, and the construction of such a massive structure significantly increases the risk of landslides, erosion, and earthquake-induced disasters.
While clarifying that Congress was not opposed to development or dam construction in general, Siram said the objection was specifically to mega dams of abnormal height that threatens the very survival and identity of indigenous communities.
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He urged Rahul Gandhi to adopt a balanced and people-centric approach to the issue.
According to a party statement, Rahul Gandhi assured Siram that the matter will be seriously examined, describing it as an issue of national importance.
Siram also used the opportunity to advocate for the modification of Article 371(H) of the Statehood Act of Arunachal Pradesh. He sought to bring it at par with the provisions granted to Nagaland and Mizoram under Article 371(A) and 371(G), respectively. He argued that the current lack of legislative autonomy over land and natural resources has deprived Arunachal's indigenous people of ownership rights over water, forest and land.
Furthermore, the APCC chief raised the issue of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and demanded the reintroduction of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to ensure post-retirement security for state govt employees.
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