ITANAGAR : It has come to notice that the Kameng hydroelectric project of the NEEPCO is affecting the villages downstream of Bichom river in Arunachal Pradesh.
Unexpectedly, the 600 MW project has reportedly turned the once mighty river to a mere stream now. Villagers residing in the downstream areas of the river claimed that the aquatic life is getting adversely affected by the NEEPCO's hydroelectric project. The fish have almost disappeared from the Bichom river as the flow has reduced to an extreme level.
Apart from that, another major area of concern has made its presence felt in the area due to the project. People are facing extreme water scarcity in the region. The horticulture and agricultural activities are gradually diminishing because of water shortage in the downstream areas. This eventually is impacting the people of the region financially.
The KaHEP Downstream People's Affected Forum, (KDPAF) has urged government intervention into the matter. The organisation has also approached NEEPCO to take steps on the issue.
The villagers has asked for compensation for their losses to the government through KDPAF. It has also advised NEEPCO to maintain the flow of Bichom river.
It is to be noted that, Arunachal Pradesh is home to 40 per cent of the country's total hydropower capacity. The 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station was dedicated to the nation by PM Narendi Modi on 19th of November, 2022. The project revolves around two dams namely, the Bichom and Tenga river projects.
The project, apart from generating handsome amount of revenue, has also provided employment to numerous people, along with promoting industrialisation in the area. The project was set up with a huge outlay of Rs 8200 crore. The prime goal was to make Arunachal Pradesh a power-surplus state. It is considered as a major step towards hitting the target of Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of Government of India.
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