Locals oppose Dibang project in Arunachal

The public hearing for the proposed 3,000 Mw Dibang multipurpose project, which was to be held in New Anaya (Dibang valley district, Arunachal Pradesh) on March 12, could not be conducted due to  strong opposition from the local people.

Hundreds of protesters from various affected villages staged a blockade along the Roing-Anini road, said the All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) in a statement today.

Vehicles carrying officials and staff of the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and National Productivity Council were prevented from reaching New Anaya.

AIMSU had, on March 11, called for a boycott of what it called was a 'cosmetic' public hearing.

AIMSU had accused the government of treating the Dibang project as a fait accompli as the foundation stone of the project was laid by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on January 30 without the completion of public consultation and mandatory evaluation of the project for its social and environmental viability.