Villagers say consent is only for survey, not construction; fears of forced displacement linger

Dibrugarh, Apr 14: After months of protests, resistance and uncertainty, a cautious shift is underway in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang belt, where several villages have begun allowing authorities to carry out a pre-feasibility survey (PFR) for the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project.

The mega dam on the Siang River, being planned by NHPC Limited, had earlier faced strong opposition from local communities in Upper Siang and Siang districts, with concerns ranging from land loss to environmental risks. In some areas, protests had even turned tense.

Now, following a series of meetings and outreach efforts by the administration, many villages likely to be affected have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), permitting officials to begin the survey.

But on the ground, the message from residents is clear: this is not a green signal for the dam.

“People have agreed only for the PFR. What happens after that will depend on the findings,” a resident said, underscoring the cautious mood in the region.

Another villager pointed to lingering mistrust. “Many are still not signing because they fear that if the report is positive, the project might be pushed through. Those who signed have done so only for the survey,” he said.

The project, designated as one of national importance, is still in its early stages, and the government has maintained that it will be dropped if the PFR finds it unviable. Officials, however, face the task of convincing communities that consent for a study will not automatically translate into construction.
At the same time, some residents are weighing potential benefits.

“There is no major tourism here. If a project like this comes up, it could bring visitors and jobs,” said another local, reflecting a mix of hope and uncertainty.

For now, the shift in stance appears pragmatic rather than wholehearted—an agreement to study what lies ahead, not to accept it.

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