Ninong Ering Calls for Dialogue Amidst Standoff Over Proposed Siang Dam Project
Former Union Minister of State and Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering has issued a strong appeal for open communication regarding the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the proposed Siang dam project. Stressing the necessity of informed discourse, Ering emphasized that the report is a critical tool for assessing how such large-scale infrastructure would impact local communities, particularly in the shadow of China’s ongoing dam-building activities along the river’s upper reaches.
Assessing the Impact
The Siang project has become a flashpoint for regional tensions, raising concerns about displacement and ecological consequences. Ering expressed that stakeholders must have access to the PFR to better grasp the extent of potential submersion areas and the long-term socio-economic effects on the residents of Arunachal Pradesh.
“We need this report to understand the realities on the ground,” Ering stated. “Our objective is to prevent the kind of widespread social unrest seen in past projects like the Tehri Dam or the Chipko movement. Unfortunately, the current wave of agitation has put us on the defensive, making constructive progress difficult.”
Condemning Violence and Property Damage
While acknowledging the fundamental right of citizens to voice their grievances through peaceful protests, strikes, or sit-ins, the MLA drew a firm line regarding public safety. He cautioned that any agitation must remain non-violent, expressing deep concern over reported instances of vandalism and the destruction of government assets.
Ering noted that security has been heightened in the area, with central forces deployed to maintain order. However, he clarified that the administration’s intention is not to harass genuine protesters, but rather to ensure law and order. He pointed to intelligence suggesting that some of the agitators may not be locals, raising questions about external influences that might be misguiding youth from neighboring regions like Siang and Upper Siang.
Path to Resolution
As an adviser to the Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Hydro Power Development, Ering urged groups such as the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum to move away from confrontation and toward the negotiating table. He believes that only through formal deliberation can the government and the public find a sustainable path forward that respects local concerns while addressing regional development needs.
“We must sit together and find a viable solution,” Ering urged. “Dialogue is the only way to resolve this impasse. While disagreement is a natural part of democratic processes, we cannot allow the conversation to stall indefinitely.”
Addressing Trans-boundary Concerns
Beyond the local agitation, Ering also highlighted the broader geopolitical dimension of the project. He reiterated his call for the Union government to engage in active discussions with China regarding a formal water treaty. With China’s extensive dam construction upstream, Ering believes that India must address the potential implications for downstream communities in Arunachal Pradesh with urgency. By securing a transparent diplomatic framework, he hopes to mitigate the risks posed by shifting water management policies in the region, ensuring that the livelihoods of downstream residents are safeguarded against both environmental and geopolitical pressures.
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