Opposition builds over third mega dam project on Dibang River

Dibang Valley. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Communities living downstream of a hydropower project on the Dibang River have stepped up the heat on the governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, with the latter already burning due to opposition to two other proposed mega dams.

The 2,880-megawatt Dibang Multipurpose Project on the Dibang River, one of three that form the Brahmaputra in adjoining Assam, is located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley. Developed by NHPC Limited at an estimated cost of ₹31,875 crore, the project had been hanging fire until a renewed push for its completion commenced in March 2024.

An alliance representing downstream communities in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on Monday set a 10-day deadline for the two State governments to fulfil their demands.

These include rehabilitation, flood protection and other safeguards linked to the mega dam, scheduled to be commissioned by February 2032.

Seeking immediate intervention by both governments, the Dibang Dam Assam-Arunachal Downstream Action Alliance wants Project Affected Family status for each family living downstream of the dam.