Rollback of NHPC CSR funds sought by 15,000 Arunachal farmers

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Rollback of NHPC CSR funds sought by 15,000 Arunachal farmers

Itanagar: Over 1,500 Arunachal individuals, organised under the Siang Indigenous Farmer’s Forum (SIFF), convened for a mass gathering on Saturday, adopting a five-point resolution.

They demanded the “immediate rollback of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds allocated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) to the Siang and Upper Siang district administrations.”

Expressing opposition to the construction of a dam on the Siang River, members of the SIFF executive body and the public voiced concerns over potential corruption related to NHPC’s CSR funds. An amount of Rs 16.61 crore was allocated to the Siang district administration, and Rs 94.29 crore to the Upper Siang district administration. The forum highlighted that CSR funds should not be utilized for government schemes, in accordance with the guidelines of the Companies Act, 2013.

Furthermore, they demanded the immediate transfer of the deputy commissioners of the two districts.

Among other resolutions adopted were plans to boycott the Aadi Ba:ne Kebang due to its support for the pre-feasibility report (PFR) on the proposed 11,000 MW Siang dam. Additionally, they proposed the formation of an independent inquiry committee to investigate corruption within the Siang and Upper Siang district administrations. A public hearing involving residents of villages affected by the proposed dam was also called for.

SIFF representatives warned of indefinite, peaceful sit-in protests should their demands not be met within a week.

In a related development, a resolution passed in Parong on March 23 announced plans for a peaceful dharna and awareness program concerning indigenous tribal rights. The theme ‘No Dam in Ane Siang, No Negotiation,’ was emphasized, with the motto ‘No Election, with NHPC Money.’

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