Daporijo, March 24:
The Environmental Public Hearing for the proposed Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project (1605 MW) was conducted on Tuesday at Singik Hall in Daporijo by the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, as part of the statutory process for grant of Environmental Clearance.
The hearing was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Taso Gambo and attended by Commerce and Industries Minister-cum-local MLA Nyato Dukam, MLA Taniya Soki, Chairman of the Subansiri Upper HEP Liaisoning Committee Rolen Dagam, district officials, NHPC representatives, members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and the general public.
During the session, project authorities presented key details of the proposed hydropower project, including its environmental aspects, developmental potential, and expected socio-economic benefits. Stakeholders were given the opportunity to express their views, concerns, and suggestions.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Nyato Dukam expressed optimism that the project would bring transformative changes for affected families as well as for the state and the nation. He appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with NHPC for smooth execution of the project. He also reiterated that there are no anti-dam protesters in Upper Subansiri, stating that the concerns raised are primarily by families seeking proper compensation for their land. The Minister further assured that the report of the Subansiri Upper HEP Liaisoning Committee would be taken up with the State Government for appropriate consideration.
Notably, an overwhelming majority of stakeholders, including affected families, expressed support for the project during the hearing. Chairman Rolen Dagam welcomed the provision of allocating 2% of the project cost for local area development, with 1% to be directly transferred to the accounts of affected families, ensuring sustained financial benefits.
Group General Manager of Subansiri Upper HEP, Deepak Ratan Sagar, reiterated NHPC’s commitment to maximizing benefits for local communities. He highlighted that the project is expected to generate employment opportunities, strengthen market and supply linkages, support Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and contribute to the state’s revenue.
According to the district administration, the hearing was conducted in a transparent, peaceful, and orderly manner in compliance with environmental norms, ensuring broad public participation. The feedback collected will be forwarded to the concerned authorities as part of the environmental appraisal process.
The Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project is a major infrastructure initiative in the region, and the successful conduct of the public hearing marks a significant milestone towards its implementation, with the state aiming to balance development with environmental sustainability while addressing local concerns.
