Dibang Dam Alliance Issues Ultimatum for Community Protections
Urgent Demands from the Dibang Dam Alliance
Members of Dibang Dam Assam-Arunachal Downstream Action Alliance at a meeting. (AT Photo)
Sadiya, Nov 9: In light of ongoing discussions regarding large hydropower initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh, a coalition representing communities downstream in both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh has issued a 10-day ultimatum to local governments. Their demands focus on rehabilitation, flood protection, and other issues related to the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project.
Formed on October 17, 2026, the Dibang Dam Assam-Arunachal Downstream Action Alliance is urging immediate action from the governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. They are requesting that families affected downstream be recognized as Project Affected Families (PAF).
The alliance is also calling for public hearings to be held in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, along with the construction of guide walls, embankments, and protective barriers along the downstream area from the dam site in Arunachal Pradesh.
These requests for downstream safety measures reference a communication from the Arunachal Pradesh government dated August 26, 2024.
In their statement, the alliance emphasized, “It is crucial that downstream protection measures are implemented before the dam is commissioned.”
Additionally, they are demanding that 12% of the power generated be allocated for free to the Government of Assam, citing similar arrangements where Arunachal Pradesh benefits from free power from its own hydroelectric projects.
This demand is linked to the risks of flooding and dam failures that Assam faces, as well as the transportation of construction materials and machinery through the state.
The notice specifies that the demands are under a “ten-day ultimatum starting from the receipt of this notice.”
It warns that if the requests are not fulfilled within this timeframe, “no construction materials, machinery, tools, or equipment intended for the Dibang Dam site will be allowed to pass through our territory.”
This ultimatum arises amid increased public scrutiny of large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
The proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has encountered significant opposition in the Siang Valley, although the state government asserts that the project is still in the pre-feasibility phase and no construction decisions have been finalized.
Recent events concerning the Siang project include the release of four protesters who were detained, with the government labeling this action as a goodwill gesture to foster dialogue.
In this context, the Dibang alliance is demanding prompt action on their requests, warning that failure to comply within 10 days may result in restrictions on the movement of materials and equipment intended for the Dibang dam site.