Myths vs facts

The PFR does not mean the project will be built.

Four machines come to drill and collect rock samples. There is no loss and no effect on the environment, on the people, or on anyone.

The list of areas to be affected will be known only after the PFR is completed.

The MoU only supports the PFR study. It is not an agreement to build the project.

If the project goes ahead after the PFR, the government has assured that land compensation rates will be attractive, and higher than present rates.

If the project goes ahead after the PFR, the government has assured that every affected family would get at least these entitlements under the Second Schedule of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013:

1. Housing units in case of displacement
2. Additional compensation for land
3. Choice of annuity (a fixed payment every year) for 20 years or employment in the project
4. Subsistence grant (money for daily living) for displaced family for 1 year
5. Transportation cost for displaced families

If the project goes ahead after the PFR, the government has assured:

1. Jobs and self-employment for local youth
2. Preference for local contractors, in non-specialized works

No. The Special Development Package is a Government of India development grant for Siang and Upper Siang districts. The ₹2.5 lakh livelihood support goes to households. Neither is land compensation or R&R, which would be decided at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage.

In a sudden release of water, what matters is how much water can be stored, and MW cannot tell you that. The estimated storage capacities: Medog about 5.5 billion cubic metres; SUMP – Siang Upper Multipurpose Project about 9.2 billion cubic metres, about 1.7 times more.