Opposition builds over third mega dam project on Dibang River

Dibang Valley. File

Communities living downstream of a hydropower project on the Dibang River have stepped up the heat on the governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, with the latter already burning due to opposition to two other proposed mega dams.

The 2,880-megawatt Dibang Multipurpose Project on the Dibang River, one of three that form the Brahmaputra in adjoining Assam, is located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley. Developed by NHPC Limited at an estimated cost of ₹31,875 crore, the project had been hanging fire until a renewed push for its completion commenced in March 2024.

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An alliance representing downstream communities in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on Monday set a 10-day deadline for the two State governments to fulfil their demands.

These include rehabilitation, flood protection and other safeguards linked to the mega dam, scheduled to be commissioned by February 2032.

Seeking immediate intervention by both governments, the Dibang Dam Assam-Arunachal Downstream Action Alliance wants Project Affected Family status for each family living downstream of the dam.

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The alliance also demanded public hearings in Assam, specifically in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, and construction of guide walls, embankments and protection walls from the dam site along the Dibang River.

It cited an August 2024 communication from the Arunachal Pradesh government to underline its demand for the downstream protection measures.

The alliance said the government should fulfil the demands before it commissions the project.

“The demands are justified as Assam is exposed to downstream flooding and potential dam-break risks. Assam’s territory is also used to transport construction materials and machinery to the project site,” an alliance spokesperson said.

The alliance threatened to block the movement of construction material, tools, machinery and plant equipment to the Dibang Dam site if its demands are ignored. At 278 metres, this dam is set to become India’s tallest.

The ultimatum came amid sustained opposition in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang Valley to the pre-feasibility study for the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project on the Siang River, which flows as the Yarlung Tsangpo in the Tibetan region upstream.

Another proposed dam in Arunachal Pradesh — the 1,605-MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project on the Subansiri River — has met with equally intense protests in Upper Subansiri district.

Meanwhile, people in the Mepsoro area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Papum Pare district have opposed a proposal to establish an Indian Army field ammunition depot on 1,200 acres of land.

A joint land survey, involving the district authorities, Army officials, police and local leaders, scheduled for Tuesday, triggered the protest.

Residents and local groups have asked the authorities to hear their objections and address their concerns before proceeding with the project.

Officials said efforts to resolve local issues were ongoing.