Mingkeng Osik
PASIGHAT, Jul 21: The Adi Ba:né Kébang (ABK) has issued a clarification regarding its stance on the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Multi-Purpose Dam project. The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) had alleged that the ABK's consent for surveys had hurt local sentiments.
ABK general secretary Vijay Taram stated that the organization had not given consent for surveys but had agreed to the government's preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR). Taram explained that a PFR, which takes about six months, is a preliminary study to assess the project's feasibility, unlike a Detailed Project Report (DPR) which takes four to five years.
The government plans to prepare PFRs at three potential sites before selecting the final site. This selection will consider the potential land submergence, and subsequent discussions with representatives from the affected areas will determine whether to proceed based on local consent.
The project, estimated to cost around $2.7 trillion (?22,60,70,59,50,00,000), includes a compensation amount of approximately ?25,000 crore.
The dam's expected output of 11,000 MW would significantly contribute to the power requirements of several states, Taram said.
Taram urged SIFF representatives to engage in discussions with the government and present their demands professionally.
The SIFF representatives had met deputy chief minister Chowna Mein at the Civil Secretariat on July 17 to place their opposition to the plans for the dam.