Karko Baane Kebang Rejects Siang Dam, Declares Feb 1 MoU Invalid

 

East Siang, March 14, 2026:

The traditional village council of Karko, known as the Karko Baane Kebang under Jengging Circle in Upper Siang district, has rejected the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and all related activities within its ancestral territory.

During a village assembly held at the Karko Dere (community hall) on Saturday, members of the community convened under the authority of customary law and declared that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on February 1, 2026 for the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) does not represent the collective will of the people of Karko.

The Kebang stated that the individuals who signed the document did so without the mandate of the village council and without the consent of the community. It further noted that the MoU was reportedly signed at the DC Bungalow garage, which, according to the council, cannot substitute the lawful and customary decision-making process of the village assembly.

According to the Karko Baane Kebang, ancestral land cannot be sold or negotiated through private agreements, and any matter concerning such land must be decided under Adi customary law through the Baane Kebang.

The council emphasized that ancestral lands require ancestral laws to deal with them and therefore the authority of the Karko Baane Kebang and Adi customary laws must be respected.

Invoking protections under Article 371(H), the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Kebang asserted its legal, constitutional, and customary authority over ancestral land, rivers, forests, and mountains.

After deliberations, the Karko Baane Kebang resolved that the MoU signed on February 1, 2026 is null and void as it does not reflect the decision of the village. The council also declared that Karko village does not consent to the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and that no dam-related surveys, studies, or activities will be allowed within the jurisdiction of the village.

The council reaffirmed that Karko village stands united in protecting its ancestral land, rivers, forests, and cultural heritage, and will resist any attempt to impose the SUMP without the genuine consent of the people under Adi customary law and the authority of the Karko Baane Kebang.

F&ES and SDRF Personnel Honoured for Role in Containing East Siang Forest Fire

 

East Siang, March 13, 2026:

Personnel of the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been honoured for their crucial role in containing the massive forest fire that broke out in the Mebo Sub-Division of East Siang district earlier this month.

The fire, which raged from March 6 to March 12, affected large areas of forest and surrounding land. According to official reports, nearly 140 hectares of reserve forest and around 200 hectares of community forest, agricultural, and horticultural land across Sigar, Ralling, and Mebo were impacted by the blaze.

A coordinated firefighting effort involving multiple government agencies, local volunteers, and security forces helped bring the situation under control. The Indian Air Force also played a vital role by conducting aerial firefighting operations, carrying out 54 water-dropping sorties and releasing more than 1.62 lakh litres of water to suppress the flames.

Despite extremely challenging conditions, teams on the ground worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby habitations. Their swift and coordinated response ensured that there were no reports of human casualties or livestock losses.

Officials and firefighters pose for a photo
after receiving appreciation certificates.

Heavy rainfall in the region further helped reduce the intensity of the fire, allowing authorities to suspend aerial operations while continuing ground surveillance to prevent possible flare-ups.

In recognition of their dedication and exemplary service, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Siang issued Appreciation Certificates to the personnel of F&ES and SDRF involved in the operation. Certificates of appreciation have also been dispatched to the Fire Stations at Roing, Tezu, Likhabali, and Jonai for their valuable support during the firefighting efforts.

Authorities stated that ground teams remain on alert and continue to monitor the situation, highlighting the importance of coordinated inter-agency collaboration in effectively managing such natural disasters.

IMC Orders Scrap Dealers to Obtain Licences, Warns Against Garbage Tearing by Rag Pickers

 

Itanagar, March 12, 2026:

The Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) has issued a notice directing all scrap dealers operating within its jurisdiction to obtain valid trade licences and ensure that rag pickers engaged by them do not tear garbage bags collected from households.

According to the notice issued by IMC Commissioner Kego Jilen on March 12, the civic body observed that several scrap dealers are currently operating without proper trade licences under the IMC jurisdiction. It was also found that these dealers collect scrap materials through rag pickers employed by them.

The IMC further stated that rag pickers are frequently seen tearing open garbage bags containing household waste that are dumped by citizens in stationed IMC sanitation vehicles and designated collection points. Such activities reportedly scatter waste in surrounding areas and create unhygienic conditions, causing public nuisance.

IMC order copy

In response, the corporation has directed all scrap dealers to obtain valid trade licences from IMC and ensure that rag pickers refrain from tearing garbage bags disposed of by households.

The notice warns that failure to comply with the directive will lead to necessary action under the relevant Acts, Rules, and By-Laws.

The order applies to scrap dealers operating in Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli, and Banderdewa areas under the jurisdiction of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation.

IOCL Donates Four Garbage Tipper Trucks to Strengthen Waste Management in Ziro

 

Ziro, March 6, 2026:

Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri and Chairperson of the District Health Society, Smti Oli Perme, on Friday flagged off four hydraulic garbage tipper trucks at Ziro. The vehicles were donated by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to strengthen waste management infrastructure in the district.

The vehicles were formally handed over to the District Medical Officer, District Health Society, Lower Subansiri, during a ceremony held in the presence of officials from the district administration, IOCL, and members of civil society.

Speaking on the occasion, Smti Malati Malakar, Senior Manager (HR–CSR) of IOCL Assam Oil Division State Office, Guwahati, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to community welfare. She appreciated the district administration’s “Plastic Ziro” initiative and said the addition of four garbage tipper trucks would help reinforce the Clean Ziro, Green Ziro movement in the valley.

Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme thanked IOCL for supporting the district’s environmental initiatives through its CSR programme. She also acknowledged the efforts of former Deputy Commissioner Shri Vivek HP, whose role was instrumental in facilitating the project.

Local NGO SMILE Ziro played a key role in the initiative by approaching IOCL under its CSR programme and requesting the donation of the trucks to enhance public service delivery and waste management in Ziro Valley.

Garbage trucks donated by IOCL

Addressing the gathering, District Medical Officer Dr. Millo Kunya and SMILE Ziro Founder Dr. Nani Tamang Jose highlighted the importance of strengthening waste management systems in the district and expressed hope that the newly added vehicles would improve sanitation and environmental protection efforts.

Among those present during the programme were Shri Mudang Tacho, Deputy General Manager (Operations), IOCL Assam Oil Division State Office, Guwahati; Shri Mithil Dhore, Station In-Charge of Ziro ALG Aviation Fuel Station; administrative officers, Heads of Departments, PRI members, and representatives of civil society organizations. Members of SMILE Ziro, led by its Chairman Shri Taru Tana, General Secretary Shri Hage Komo, and Ujwal Ziro Charity Mission Chairman Shri Duley Pai, also attended the event along with members of the public.

The initiative is expected to significantly enhance waste management capacity in Ziro Valley and support ongoing efforts to build a cleaner and greener district.

46 More Simong Residents Back Siang Project PFR Study

 

Upper Siang, March 5, 2026:

In further support of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on February 26, 2026 between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the residents of Simong and Halleng villages regarding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), an additional 46 residents of Simong village under Yingkiong Circle in Upper Siang district submitted their irrevocable consent on March 5, 2026 for undertaking the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) study activities for the proposed project.

The consent letters were formally handed over to Deputy Commissioner of Upper Siang, Talo Jerang, at around 1 PM at the meeting hall of his official bungalow. The meeting was attended by government officers, senior members of Simong village and Project Affected Families (PAFs). On behalf of the villagers, Genom Tekseng submitted the consent documents to the Deputy Commissioner, while several residents also signed the consent authorisation during the meeting.

During the interaction, the Deputy Commissioner explained various aspects of the PFR activities, addressing doubts raised by the villagers and providing clarity on the concept and purpose of the Pre-Feasibility Report.

Senior member of Simong village, Tadum Libang, also spoke during the meeting and conveyed the views of fellow villagers, expressing their support and consent for carrying out the PFR activities for the proposed project.

Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang interacting
 with Simong villagers on the Siang project PFR study.

The signatories stated that their consent was given solely for the purpose of conducting PFR study activities. They affirmed that the decision was made voluntarily, with full understanding and without any threat, coercion or undue influence.

Simong village, the largest village of the Simong sub-tribe of the Adi community in Upper Siang district, has a total of 240 households. Of these, 144 households reside in Simong village while 96 households live in Yingkiong town.

Earlier, 128 residents had signed the MoU with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh on February 26, 2026 in support of the PFR activities for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. With the additional 46 residents submitting their consent on March 5, the total number of families from Simong village supporting the PFR activities has now increased to 174.

Ramku Kebang Declares Non-Consent to Siang Dam PFR and Survey Activities

 

Upper Siang, March 1, 2026:

In a significant development from the Siang region, residents of Ramku village under Geku Circle have unanimously declared collective non-consent to all Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities linked to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The decision was taken during a two-day traditional council (Kebang) held recently.

The historic Kebang witnessed participation from nearly all sections of the village community. Village council elders, customary leaders, farmers, women, and youth gathered in large numbers, with representatives from around 35 households engaging in detailed deliberations on the proposed mega dam and ongoing survey-related activities.

Two Days of Deliberation

According to community representatives, discussions focused on environmental, social, cultural, and land rights concerns arising from survey operations, data collection exercises, geological investigations, and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) processes associated with the project.

Following extensive consultations, the traditional council unanimously resolved to reject:

Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) surveys

Geological drilling or related investigations

Data collection or mapping exercises

Any form of project-related entry into customary village lands

Community members alleged that such activities were being pursued without formal approval or consultation with the recognised Village Council and customary authorities.

Community Declaration of Non-Consent

In a formal declaration, residents described themselves as traditional custodians and rights holders of ancestral lands, forests, and river systems. The declaration asserted that no individual or group acting without Village Council authorisation can represent the collective will of the community.

Invoking constitutional democratic rights, villagers affirmed their decision to peacefully oppose any activity connected to the project within their customary jurisdiction.

Assertion of Customary Governance

Elders emphasised that decisions concerning land and natural resources must originate through collective consultation under established customary governance systems practiced across the region. The declaration further underscored that the position reflects a united stand of elders, women, farmers, landholders, and youth.

Growing Regional Significance

Observers note that the resolution from Ramku may carry wider implications across Upper Siang, where traditional institutions continue to play a central role in land governance throughout Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in remote indigenous regions.

Amid intensifying debates over large-scale infrastructure development, the development highlights growing grassroots mobilisation and assertion of customary rights in northeastern India.

Tajang Village Holds Cleanliness Drive Before Hari-Bulla Myoko 2026

Lower Subansiri, March 1, 2026:

On the eve of Hari-Bulla Myoko 2026, the Tajang Lemba Welfare Committee (TLWC), Ziro, in Lower Subansiri district carried out a mass social service drive on Sunday with active participation from members and volunteers.

The initiative was undertaken under the guidance of Shri Millo Tadu, ZPM 05-Tajang and Chief Patron of TLWC, and was led by Chairman Shri Misso Halley and General Secretary Shri Rubu Laji.

During the drive, participants cleaned and cleared all drainage systems and undertook extensive sanitation work across the entire Tajang Lemba jurisdiction. The effort reflected a strong sense of unity, civic responsibility, and commitment to maintaining cleanliness and community wellbeing ahead of the upcoming festival.

Photo: IPR Lower Subansiri 

Hari-Bulla Myoko forms part of the traditional Myoko festival of the Apatani tribe, celebrated annually in Ziro Valley during the month of March. The festival symbolizes friendship, prosperity, fertility, and protection from misfortune. Observed through priest-led rituals, community feasts, and cultural traditions, Myoko follows a rotational system among villages and plays a significant role in strengthening inter-village ties and preserving the rich indigenous heritage of the Apatani community.

East Siang Hunger Strike Enters Day 4; Two Protesters Hospitalised

 

East Siang, February 25, 2026:

The hunger strike staged by mothers from Ngorlung and Ralung villages against a ferro-silicon factory at the Industrial Growth Centre in Niglok enters its fourth day on Thursday, with protesters demanding the permanent closure or relocation of the plant over alleged risks to public health and safety.

The agitation targets the factory operated by M/s Aether Alloys LLP, with local residents claiming that the unit poses serious environmental and safety concerns for nearby communities. Participants of the indefinite hunger strike have gathered at the Ralung Village Community Hall, stating that the protest will continue until authorities respond to their demands.

Tensions rose on Wednesday morning after two protesters fell ill during the agitation and were admitted to Ruksin CHC (FRU) for medical treatment, highlighting growing concern among villagers over the health of those participating in the fast.

Community members say the movement reflects wider anxiety about pollution, environmental protection, and long-term livelihood issues in the area, while an official response from the concerned authorities is still awaited.