The Subansiri Lower Project Implementation Committee (SULPIC), representing families affected by the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to NHPC and announced an indefinite bandh at the project site from June 9 if its long-pending demands are not addressed.
In a memorandum submitted to the Executive Director of NHPC’s Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project at Dollungmukh in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kamle district, SULPIC alleged that repeated representations and discussions with authorities since 2009 have failed to resolve the grievances of Project Affected Families (PAFs).
The committee stated that the proposed bandh would begin at 5 a.m. on June 9 and continue indefinitely until its demands are fulfilled. It claimed that all administrative avenues had been exhausted and accused authorities of failing to comply with statutory obligations, environmental safeguards, and judicial directives.
Among its major demands, SULPIC sought immediate recognition of the Bini, Kina and Nido clans as Project Affected Families and the declaration of Persin Block as a Project Affected Area under the hydropower project. The organisation also demanded that the Executive Director’s office function from Kolaptukar, as agreed upon in a 2010 agreement between the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Nyishi Elite Society.
The committee further called for the cancellation of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued for commissioning the project, alleging violations of directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and findings contained in a spot verification report prepared by the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Dollungmukh.
SULPIC also demanded immediate clearance of forests and standing trees in the designated submergence zone, a fresh assessment of the dam’s backflow impact, scientific disposal of muck from dumping sites, and a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) survey of affected areas.
In a separate representation, the committee alleged that the original land acquisition process covering approximately 1,562.8 hectares was conducted largely through aerial surveys without comprehensive ground verification. As a result, it claimed that several land holdings were underestimated and many affected families received inadequate compensation.
The organisation further stated that a joint field inspection conducted in April this year found that significant areas had already experienced backflow and submergence even at the current dam height. It warned that any future increase in reservoir levels could impact additional land and families.
Expressing environmental concerns, SULPIC alleged that large stretches of vegetation and standing trees remain within the submergence zone despite environmental clearance conditions requiring their removal. It warned that decomposing biomass could adversely affect water quality, aquatic biodiversity, and communities dependent on the river ecosystem.
The committee demanded a transparent physical re-survey of the entire submergence area, revised compensation for newly affected landowners, and immediate implementation of environmental safeguards.
Warning of further action, SULPIC stated that affected families would pursue legal remedies and intensify democratic protests if their concerns remain unaddressed. NHPC had not issued any official response to the allegations and demands at the time of filing this report.
