Even as it congratulated the INC Government for coming back to power without any hindrance, ACR Chairman Bamang Tago, however, expressed concern over the Government’s determination to go ahead with large dam projects in the Sate and hoped that the new government would involve its citizens in a democratic, transparent and accountable debate and discussion in planning and decision making on all developmental efforts, particularly on hydro-projects.
In a statement today, Tago observed that the commissioning of mega hydroelectric projects in the tribal State would pose a direct threat to the very existence and natural habitat of the indigenous people.
"The rights of indigenous people over land, forest, and rivers should not be snatched away in the name of development," he said adding, apprehensions expressed in knowledgeable circles about migration of huge labourer force to work in mega dam projects would outnumber the indigenous population of Arunachal in future, must not be wished away.
Reiterating that the ACR was not against developmental projects per se, Tago suggested that thorough assessment of carrying capacity of the State be conducted by an independent team of experts with regard to hydropower generation considering the economic fragility of the State and loss of biodiversity and livelihood caused by construction of dams.
All decisions for new hydro projects in the State must adhere to decision making framework as proposed by the World Commission on Dams (WCD) for an approach to water resource development based on respect for rights, valuing of equity and sustainability, participatory decision making, accountability and efficiency. A legally enforceable right to information regarding planning, decision making, implementation, operation and decommissioning of all water and energy resource projects for all affected or potentially affected citizens in their native languages be evolved by respecting the inalienable rights of indigenous and tribal people.
The NGO further suggested implementation of concept of carbon sinks and carbon trading mechanisms within the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol in the State with informed consent and participation of the people.