A delegation of the East Siang Downstream District Affected People’s Forum (ESDDAPF) met Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu at Pasighat on August 10 and submitted a memorandum outlining concerns of communities that could be affected by the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
ESDDAPF president Oni Tamuk and general secretary Jobomchang Mengu briefed the Chief Minister on the concerns and apprehensions of people living in downstream areas likely to be impacted by the proposed Upper Siang Multi-Purpose Storage Project.
According to the forum, Khandu acknowledged the issues raised and assured the delegation that the memorandum would be taken up with the relevant government authorities.
The Chief Minister also assured that a mass meeting and consultation would be held with ESDDAPF representatives and village representatives from the potentially affected downstream areas. The proposed consultation would allow residents to directly present their concerns and views before the state government.
The forum described the assurance as a positive step towards involving downstream communities in decisions concerning the project. It stressed that their concerns should be addressed through meaningful consultation, transparency and direct participation.
ESDDAPF reiterated that it would continue pursuing the interests of affected communities through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means and expressed hope that their concerns would receive due consideration during the decision-making process on the SUMP.
