GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
                                     DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION PUBLIC RELATIONS & PRINTING
                                                                        // NAHARLAGUN //

NO.IPR(PR)-86/2002                                                         Dated:- Naharlagun the 12th April,2004

                                                                         PRESS RELEASE

Press Note: DC holds Meeting with the World Bank and NHPC Officials.

As a goodwill gesture to visiting dignitaries from United Nations International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and in its constant effort to tie-up with the NHPC activities in the district, a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Santosh D. Vaidya DC, Along. The meeting broadly aimed at reaching to a general consensus on mega dam construction at Reying. Welcoming the dignitaries and initiating the discussion, Shri Vaidya said that development dawn in this part of the world very late and people at large are ready to grab all economic opportunities. He laid emphasis on certain factors basing on the will and aspirations of the people. Firstly, the entire North East lies on the Zone 'V' of the seismic map of India and best available technology is to be looked into while constructing the dam. Secondly, people here depend on agriculture to sustain life and the unemployed youth will look into such mega project as a source of employment. Thirdly, an adequate and attractive compensation and relief and rehabilitation package may come up for the affected people as question of clan and community settlements will come up in future. Fourthly, the project should come up as fast as possible to overcome any long-drawn differences with govt. and executing authorities. Fifthly, the sensitive issue like land acquisition has to be looked into carefully in consultation with the District Administration as ethnic clan and community design has to be taken care of.

    The Representatives from World Bank disclosed that no decision has been taken up on funding pattern of the project. It will come only if it comes in a manageable and sustainable way and concerns of the people will definitely be accommodated in the process. A high degree of objectivity and earthquake parameter will be taken into consideration. The NHPC authorities responded that 1.5 Crores of rupees are spent for special duty on earthquake and they will accept only approved RR of the govt. The land acquisition, relief packages for affected people and other losses will be accepted as per report furnished by the Govt. only.

    Earlier Shri Togum Lollen and Kirge Ori placed their grievances and spoke on behalf of the public. Shri Repo Ronya ADC, Shri T. Naksang DRO, Er. Tumto Kamsi EE, Shri Hento Karga CO spoke in detail to get the goodwill of dignitaries. The EE(E) highlighted power scenario of the state in general and district in particular and disclosed that power managements in the state is being carried out in isolated manner and yet to go in an integrated approach.

                                                                                                                   (G. Tali)
                                                                                                                   DIPRO Along