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Last year, as the National Democratic Alliance’s prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, Narendra Modi had given hope to anti-dam activists in Assam when he spoke against the controversial large dams proposed in Arunachal Pradesh. But those hopes were dashed on February 20, when Modi visited Itanagar to attend Arunachal Pradesh's 29th Statehood Day.
Last year on February 22, at an election rally at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, Modi had said that he would prefer smaller hydro power projects in the region, honouring the sentiments of the region’s people.
During this year’s visit, however, it seemed that the prime minister forgot his promise. He pushed for hydropower projects in the state and said Arunachal Pradesh can light up the entire country.
Promise forgotten
In his speech, Modi mostly dwelt on power and energy. "I assure Arunachal Pradesh will light up the entire country. If you recognise your strength, the fate of Arunachal Pradesh will change [for the better]," he said. Modi, however, also spoke about adequate protection to those affected by the projects.
"I know the people of Arunachal Pradesh have certain reservations about some hydel projects. There were similar issues in Bhutan and Nepal, which have as much water resources. We negotiated with them. We are trying to set up power companies there. Through electricity alone, Nepal and Bhutan's economic condition will improve. They will transform into sukhi (happy) nations. You, too, have similar taakat (strength) and you need to realise it to ensure progress and prosperity," Modi said.
Memorandum for PM
Meanwhile, civil society groups that have been protesting against big dams in the region have demanded the prime minister should first undertake scientific studies on mega hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh, covering the aspects of dam safety, downstream impacts and cumulative impacts.
Thirteen organisations of Assam have issued a joint memorandum to Modi to review all the mega dam projects proposed in Arunachal Pradesh and to scrap all those hydel projects which would prove devastating.
Already, Arunachal Pradesh which is often referred as "power house of India" is in the process of developing 41,400.5 MW capacity of power and its hydro power potential is estimated to be around 60,000 MW.