Tinsukia: An alliance representing downstream communities in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the governments of both states over the proposed 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh. The alliance has demanded rehabilitation, flood prevention and other safety measures.
The Dibang Dam Assam-Arunachal Downstream Action Alliance, formed on October 17, 2026, has demanded that families living in the downstream areas of the proposed dam be recognised as Project Affected Families (PAFs). It has also called for public hearings in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts.
The alliance has demanded the construction of guide walls, embankments and protective walls along the downstream areas from the dam site in Arunachal Pradesh. Referring to a communication issued by the Arunachal Pradesh government on August 26, 2024, the organisation has insisted that these safety measures must be completed before the dam becomes operational.
Completing safety measures in the downstream areas before commissioning the dam is essential.
— Alliance statement
The alliance has also demanded that the Assam government receive 12% free power from the project. Citing the provision under which Arunachal Pradesh receives free power from its hydropower projects, the organisation has argued that Assam should receive a similar benefit.
According to the alliance, downstream areas face the risk of flooding and potential danger in the event of a dam failure. It has also pointed out that Assam's territory will be used to transport construction materials, machinery and equipment to the project site. The alliance considers these factors sufficient grounds for its demand for a 12% free power allocation.
The alliance has warned that if its demands are not addressed within 10 days of the receipt of its notice, it will not allow construction materials, machinery, equipment or other supplies meant for the Dibang Dam site to pass through its territory.
