Arunachal Congress forms fact-finding panel to assess SUMP-affected areas

The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Sunday, September 27 constituted a study-cum-fact-finding committee to assess the situation in the Siang region and other areas affected by proposed mega hydropower projects, particularly the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

The move comes amid continued concerns and protests by communities in project-affected areas and reports of paramilitary deployment in the Siang region in connection with the proposed project.

The committee, constituted by APCC president Bosiram Siram, will be headed by APCC working president Tanga Byaling. Takam Sanjoy has been appointed vice chairman, while advocate Tami Pangu will serve as secretary. Daniel Gao and Johny Yangfo are members of the committee.

The panel has been tasked with interacting with project-affected families, village elders, community-based organisations and other stakeholders, besides assessing the potential social, environmental and livelihood impacts of the proposed hydropower projects.

It will also examine concerns related to land acquisition, rehabilitation and the deployment of security forces, and submit a detailed fact-finding report with observations and recommendations within 15 days of the committee's notification.

At its first meeting, the committee constituted a nine-member sub-committee to undertake ground visits to the affected areas. The sub-committee will be led by Tami Pangu, member secretary of the fact-finding committee.

The APCC said the proposed village-to-village visits were aimed at assessing the situation on the ground amid differing claims and concerns expressed by the government and residents of affected areas.

The party has also appealed to political parties, civil society organisations, student bodies, community-based organisations, traditional institutions, PRI representatives, women's groups, youth organisations and representatives of affected villages to join the exercise as part of a joint all-party and civil society delegation.

The APCC has requested each organisation to nominate at least one representative within three days to accompany the sub-committee during the field visits.

According to the Congress, the representatives will be able to share their views, concerns, grievances and observations regarding the proposed projects and the prevailing situation.

The party said the exercise would seek to document the concerns of affected communities and prepare a report for submission to the government and the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

The APCC said broader participation from political parties, civil society groups, community institutions and affected communities would make the fact-finding exercise more inclusive and representative.

The proposed SUMP is a major hydropower and multipurpose project in Arunachal Pradesh and has faced opposition and concerns from sections of local communities over its potential impact on land, livelihoods, the environment and indigenous communities.