DAPORIJO, Mar 24: The Environmental Public Hearing for the proposed 1605 MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, being executed by NHPC Limited, was successfully conducted at Singhik Hall in Daporijo amid a large gathering of local residents and stakeholders.
The hearing was organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, led by Scientist Jumli Kato and Executive Engineer Ranjeev Kimsing along with their team. At the outset, Jumli Kato presented the objectives of the public hearing through a detailed PowerPoint presentation, outlining the environmental considerations and scope of the project.
Presiding over the meeting, Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo assured the public and affected families that the district administration would remain vigilant in addressing their concerns. He emphasized that no affected family would be left behind and that all grievances, assistance, and compensation would be handled in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. He also called for cooperation between the public, executing agencies, and the government for holistic development.
Speaking on the occasion, Industries, IPR & Printing Minister Nyato Dukam reiterated that elected representatives are committed to safeguarding the interests of the people. He assured that no affected family would be deprived of benefits related to the NHPC project and urged the public to support the smooth implementation of the mega initiative.
Daporijo MLA Taniya Soki clarified that the people of Upper Subansiri are not opposed to dam projects but are seeking fair benefits, including job reservations for affected families, developmental opportunities, and necessary modifications in Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). He noted that misconceptions portraying locals as anti-dam have been spread on social media and termed such narratives as misleading. He assured that gaps in existing guidelines and MoUs would be taken up with the government for necessary revisions in the interest of the people.
Representatives of affected families from both the left and right banks of the proposed project also actively participated in the discussion, voicing their concerns and suggestions.
The meeting witnessed participation from elected representatives, stakeholders, village heads, Gaon Buras, and members of affected families, reflecting strong public engagement in the consultation process. (DIPRO)