Indigenous concerns must be addressed with sensitivity Author Subi Taba on Siang hydropower project

Gangtok, Nov 2 (PTI) Award-winning author Subi Taba has called for a sensitive and inclusive approach to the proposed mega hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang region, saying India's strategic and energy needs must not come at the cost of indigenous communities, their ancestral lands, livelihoods and cultural identity.

     Amid sustained opposition to the project, particularly from sections of the Adi community, Taba stressed that the concerns of affected people must be addressed through meaningful consultation and transparency, rather than reducing the issue to a debate between "proponents and opponents of development".

     "I understand that the government has its own strategic and developmental requirements, especially considering the hydroelectric project proposed by China on the upper reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo.

     "However, these cannot be achieved by disregarding those who have lived on and depended upon these lands for generations... As someone who hails from a tribal community myself, I firmly believe that the concerns of the people of the Siang Valley need to be addressed with seriousness and sensitivity," Taba told PTI Bhasha at the recently concluded three-day "Sikkim Art and Literature Festival".

    The Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman awardee, who belongs to the indigenous Nyishi tribal community and is currently serving as an Agriculture Development Officer in Arunachal Pradesh, said those who are protesting are raising questions regarding their homes, ancestral lands, livelihoods, the environment, and their cultural identity.     "These are deeply personal and entirely legitimate concerns," she explained.

     The proposed 11,200-megawatt multipurpose hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh is considered one of India's largest hydroelectric projects.

     However, it has faced persistent opposition from sections of the Adi community, particularly from those living in areas that would be affected by the project.

     Taba, recipient of the '100 Inspiring Authors of India' award for her poetry collection "Dear Bohemian Man", stressed that "development must be inclusive", with indigenous communities' voices heard and respected before decisions of such magnitude are made.

    She cited fears of displacement, submergence of ancestral villages, loss of farmland, environmental damage and threats to traditional ways of life as key reasons for the opposition.

     Concerns over the region's geological and seismic sensitivity, long-term project safety and surveys allegedly conducted without adequate consultation have also fuelled apprehension.

    Taba called for public disclosure of project details, including reservoir plans, feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments and displacement data, in languages local communities understand.

     Besides, she also urged independent scientific assessments of seismic risks, biodiversity and river ecology, alongside meaningful dialogue with affected communities.

    "For indigenous communities, a village is not merely a collection of houses; it is a vibrant social and cultural institution. Our relationship with the land, forests, and rivers is deeply intertwined with our traditions, traditional knowledge, agricultural practices, folklore, festivals, ancestral history, and spiritual beliefs," she said.

    These very themes also find expression in her writing. For instance, her award-winning book, "Tales from the Dawn-Lit Mountains", draws on tribal traditions, folklore and religious beliefs.

    "I am not against development. However, development must have a human face," Taba said, adding that Arunachal Pradesh needs infrastructure, electricity, education, healthcare and economic growth.     

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)