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Arunachal: Siang dam-affected villages, farmers oppose NHPC’s CSR projects

First Published: 6th March, 2024 12:49 IST

There are allegations that, impacted villages of the CSR schemes or projects had not been consulted before the allocation of CSR funds

The executive members of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and the members from all Siang dam-affected villages have expressed their dissent over the implementation of schemes or projects under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Siang district by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd. (NHPC), a central public sector undertaking.

They held a coordination meeting in Parong Dere yesterday to raise legal awareness regarding CSR notifications and to conduct an annual review of SIFF’s work ahead of the 2024 state elections.

During the discussions, concerns were raised about the lack of consultation with affected villages before the allocation of CSR funds.

The house said that the impacted villages of the CSR schemes or projects had not been consulted before the allocation of CSR funds nor were they aware of the notification.

The allocation process itself was questioned, with villagers expressing concerns about potential violations of a Gauhati High Court order favouring SIFF.

The house unanimously rejected the allocation of Rs 16.61 crores in Siang for CSR projects, arguing that it could lead to corrupt practices and criticized the lack of transparency in the process.

SIFF in a statement highlighted alleged forced surveys conducted by the sitting MLA of Pangin-Boleng constituency Ojing Tasing and CM Pema Khandu for the Siang dam’s pre-feasibility study, despite opposition from the community.

The release also accused the district administration and Boleng SP of harassing villagers to vacate their homes for NHPC’s purposes.

The meeting concluded by withdrawing support to any candidate who supported the dam project and demanded support for their cause in the state assembly.