Guwahati: The North East Human Rights (NEHR) group has issued a compelling appeal to the state government, urging an immediate reconsideration and suspension of all forthcoming projects, along with the 12 Memoranda of Agreements (MoAs) inked in August of the previous year for dam projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
According to a report in Arunachal Times, the group cited the recent catastrophic breach of the Chungthang dam in Sikkim due to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) from the South Lhonak Lake. The NEHR emphasised the pressing need for a comprehensive reassessment of proposed dam projects in the region.
Expressing concern over the vulnerability of the region to such disasters, the NEHR pointed to scientific studies indicating the highly susceptible nature of the South Lhonak Lake to GLOFs. The organization stressed that despite consistent warnings from scientific communities, local activists, and indigenous research organisations, the potential risks of mega-dam projects have not been adequately addressed.
Drawing parallels with past natural disasters, such as the flash flood in Chamoli, Uttarakhand in 2021 and the 2013 North India flood, the NEHR highlighted the devastating consequences of melting glaciers and river eruptions, resulting in loss of lives and severe environmental impacts.
Further, the NEHR pointed out significant flaws identified during a meeting with the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) in June 2022, specifically regarding the Wildlife Institute of India’s (WII) Etalin Wildlife Conservation plan. The plan, peer-reviewed by various institutions and scientists, faced criticism for its ‘copy-paste’ details and a failure to address crucial environmental concerns.
Underlining the impact of climate change on glaciers, the NEHR said the proposed dam projects in Arunachal Pradesh could exacerbate environmental risks. With predictions of significant glacier thinning and the formation of glacial lakes, the potential for sudden outburst floods becomes increasingly alarming.
Arunachal Pradesh, home to 1532 glacial lakes, with the highest concentration in Dibang Valley, Anjaw, and West Kameng districts, demands urgent attention, according to studies.
The NEHR appealed to the Chief Minister for a thorough review of environmental impact assessments, safety measures, and community consultations associated with dam projects.
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They stressed the importance of engaging local communities, experts, and activists to ensure transparency and address all concerns adequately. “We must avoid repeating past mistakes and prioritize the long-term well-being of our state and its inhabitants,” the NEHR concluded in their appeal.
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