DAM CONSTRUCTION: A STUDY OF CONFLICT AND PROTEST IN

TAWANG DISTRICT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

INTRODUCTION

In today’s model of economic development, economic growth has come to mean in increasing
production and consumption of energy, energy with electricity, and electricity with large-
scale generation, grid transformation and distribution. Within this paradigm the neo-liberal
state justifies the need for hydropower development. Man has improved his technology for
harnessing natural resources for human development and dam is considered as one of those
technologies. A dam is a man-made barrier that stops or restricts the flow of water and the
reservoirs created by it not only supress floods but also provide water for activities such as
irrigation, human consumption, industrial use, aquaculture and navigability. Dam which are
claimed as symbols of development for their multipurpose utility and contribution to the
welfare of mankind. But compulsory displacement caused by dams has raised major issues
and equity. It has been built for centuries and contributed in the development of many
countries in the world, became the symbol of progress and economic growth. The need for
water is increasing day by day due to growing population, intensive industrialisation and
urbanisation and increasing food production. In order to fulfil these, water resources are over-
exploited to increase the area under irrigation and dry season agriculture. Electricity
generation is an important reason for the building large dams in many countries either as the
primary purpose or as additional functions for other purposes. Hydropower currently
provides 19 per cent of total electricity supply over 150 countries. One-third of the countries
in the world currently depend on hydro power for more than half of their electricity needs
(World Commission on Dams, 2000). Dams and hydropower project is regarded as the
backbone of energy security and the way to meet the energy needs. Our developmental
economic plans have created a risks, dangers, threats and hazards for the people and the
land. The proposal and construction of mega dams in a geologically fragile area and culturally
vulnerable region have created a Ulrich Beck’s term ‘a risk society’. A society where there will
be no peace and safe to live and a society with no natural resources. Now the nature of risks

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has changed from natural disaster to more kind of man- made disaster. The unintended and
latent risks hidden in our developmental plans is due to advances in our technological power
to manipulate and colonize the nature. The decisions taken by the state government to
construct dam in such fragile area and the risks associated with it are the product of scientific
knowledge, technocratic decisions, developmental policy and political power and it is thus
called a manufactured risk in Beck’s term.

The hydro project initiative looks promising at the initial when seen from the huge benefits
but its negative impacts and risks to socio-economic, cultural and environmental destructions
cannot be neglected. Thus mounting criticism of dam is seen and its glorification as a symbol
of modernity was challenged. Dam as being considered as the temple of modern India and
the harbinger of development is seen as tomb of destruction. People and the communities
who were popularized over the times as the main beneficiary dam building in both social and
economic development became the mere victims. Despite facing lots of criticisms and anti-
dam protest by the civil society and project affected people and even after being aware of the
massive socio-environmental costs, the Indian states determined to continue with the big
dam construction, ignoring the hidden risks of such projects. In these process of the
developmental path, the North-East Himalayan region has been chosen as new site for
producing such energy as they considered Arunachal Pradesh as ‘India’s Power House’. With
this aim, total 156 dams with installed capacity of close to 50,000MW have been planned for
construction in Arunachal Pradesh. Out of which 37 dams have been planned for construction
in Tawang and West Kameng district which makes up the Mon-Region. Tawang being one of
the most ecological fragile area is not bared from this developmental plan and proposed a
project as Tawang-I (600MW) and Tawang-II (800MW) on the Tawang Chu river and Nyamjang
Chu river (780MW) in Tawang district. Developmental projects suffered severely because of
their lack of concern for people and environment. They have been deteriorating the ecology
of Tawang district. Most importantly peace among people has been lost.

The protest against dam construction in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh in North East
India has been continuing since 2011 where it has been witness to public protests against the
state government’s decision to set up many dams across the district. The protests was being
driven by environmental and religious concerns.

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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Tawang district is the westernmost district of Arunachal Pradesh, situated near the
international boundary of both china and Bhutan. It is situated in an ecologically fragile area
where the natural resources are said to be untouched or untapped by developmental
activities and it has a potential to produce huge electricity and many other benefits for the
people of Tawang district. It came to know that 13 out of over 150 hydropower projects
planned by the state since 2005 are in Tawang district. To stop these dam construction,
people from the monpa community joined hands with the local Buddhist monks in 2011 to
form the Save Mon Region Federation (SMRF). In response to an appeal filed by the SMRF,
National Green Tribunal (NGT) suspended the environmental clearance of Nyamjang Chhu
and had asked for a fresh impact assessment studies, public hearing for local people and
appraisal by the Expert Appraisal Committee on River Valley and Hydroelectric projects and
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). A major issue was the
impact on the wintering habitat of the black-necked crane, a vulnerable bird considered
sacred by the Monpa people which was also considered as the embodiment of the 6 th Dalai
Lama, who was born in Tawang and wrote about the bird in his poetry. NGT noted that the
project promoted by the Noida-based steel conglomerate LNJ Bhilwara Group did not
consider its impact on the habitat of the black-necked crane, which is endemic to the region.
The bird is even rated as “vulnerable” in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s
list of endangered species. The protest against dams have also intensified in the district when
the local Monpa tribe of the district fears that the dam construction will lead to distortion of
the cultural dynamics of the area. The population of Tawang district is 49,950 as per 2011
census with an area of 2085sq km lying close to Indo-China border. Due to its strategic
importance, it is heavily militarized. More than a quarter is acquired by the Indian military
forces and the civil administration that leaves very little land for common man’s livelihood.
People fears that the large influx required labourers for the dam construction will further put
pressure on the natural resources.

Main problem started when Mr. Gyatso, who leads a movement against the hydropower
project in the district, was arrested twice for “disturbing peace” during an anti-dam protest
and the second time for allegedly making “disparaging” comments against the spiritual head
of the Tawang Monastery, and questioned his nationality. Gyatso also asked him not to

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indulge in politics related to hydel projects. On May 2, 2016, he was taken to the court of the
district magistrate for hearing on his bail application. A large number of villagers and lamas
assembled infront of the police station seeking his release. The bail was denied, which made
many villagers and lamas to angry at the biased attitude of district administration. When the
supporters came to know about the denial of bail, the crowd of almost 200 people began
moving towards the police station and shouted for his release. Then the police without being
used any tear gas and rubber bullets, they were then fired with live bullets. In this firing,
many got injured including woman and total 3 were died. By mid-afternoon, prohibitory
ordered in Tawang district under section 144. How dam became the reason of
discontentment rather than celebration?

LITERATURE REVIEW

It is important and appropriate to look at some of the related work done on the particular
area that have given form, shape, and direction to the area of study. A very limited work has
been done on this topic particularly in Northeast.

Guha (2012) in his article Dams and Damned: Growth at What Cost warned of the
dangers posed in Arunachal Pradesh due to unregulated dam building. It claimed that
environment ministry has been careless and unwise in its approach to the various relatively
small projects that have been planned in Arunachal Pradesh in an attempt to increase the
region’s prosperity and integration into the rest of the economy. He further argues that India
is following the path of development which is short-sighted, destructive and socially polarizing
and therefore he advocated for smaller power projects as an alternative to large mega
projects because this could be more economically viable, environmentally sustainable and
socially inclusive. But no proper developmental policy has been mentioned.

Bhattacharjee (2013) in his article Dams and Environmental Movement: The Case from
India’s North East mentioned that dam related issue is not only confined to India but also in
the World. The movement against dam in Northeast India in special mention of dam
constructed on the river Barak and Brahmaputra, on Loktak and Tipaimukh in Manipur and
on the Gomti river of Tripura. It tries to understand the nature and cause of movement against
dam in particular region. It also tries to focus on different ethnic groups and the set of culture
and their relation with environment. It also deals with major projects like Subansiri

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multipurpose dam project, the Ranganadi hydro project state II (RHEP-II) and the Pagladia
dam project. It mainly focused on the reason and nature of protest and how government
ignores peoples voice. The communities practising agriculture will be highly affected. He
opposition from peoples organisation and environmental experts came up due to the projects
failure to adhere to safeguard public interests. Same condition happened with Tipaimukh
hydroproject which became bone of contention between the government and the affected
people. The need to follow the WCD guidelines is also mentioned as it is going to affect the
issue of rehabilitation and compensation and also a ways to meet the power shortage. But it
has not touched the comparison of social movement with the movement of other states and
why government is ignoring the peoples voice.

Cernea (1990) in the article Poverty Risks from Population and Displacement in Water
Resources and Development deals with the environmental changes and social disruptions
caused by large dams and associated infrastructure developments can have a significant
adverse impact on ‘human health’ for displaced communities. The diseases like chronic
diarrhoea, dysentery, particularly parasitic and vector borne diseases, such as malaria and
sometimes leads to psychological trauma accompanied by the outbreak of relocation-related
illness. And gender is the vital element while understanding the impact of involuntary
displacement. The involuntary displacement created by dam construction is increased in
many places. In India, for instance, researchers found that country’s development programs
have caused displacement of more than 200 million people, but 75% of these people are not
properly “rehabilitated”(Fernandes, 1991). But such impoverishment is not only confined to
India, many other countries throughout the world is facing such social injustice and inequity.
He mentioned that if impoverishment is the looming risk in displacement, the challenge is to
organize risk prevention and provide safeguard. It can be provided through enlightened
policies. The call for developing a comprehensive theoretical model was given by Brenchin,
West, and associates (1991) in their work on displacement. Calling for the model that would
define and predict the cumulative impacts on displacement and would provide a practical
guide, they wrote:

“What is too little understood both by professionals and scholars alike is the social
impact of displacement and relocation. When resident peoples are forced to move,
certain general impacts can be expected. But the collective social impacts on the

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 community or other social organization differs widely from case to case; to date no
model exists to predict the cumulative effect (1991:17). But there is no mention about
the concrete model to rehabilitate the displaced people due to dam construction.

SMRF general secretary Lama Lobsang Gyatso said,”The NGT’s decision to suspend
work on the project has led those with vested interest in the state to suddenly look at us as a
powerful enemy.” Corruption is also alleged. According to him,” It is clear to the local people
that while somebody powerful is making money on these projects, they have not only been
unable to provide electricity but are also degrading the environment they live
in.”www.ejatlas.org (Accessed on march 30, 2019)

Vijay Taram (2016) is a prominent activist opposed to hydro power projects in the
area, told the website scroll.in that the “government has used force on protesters, who were
demanding the release of a known and vocal crusader against construction of hydropower
projects in ecologically sensitive Tawang.” Accessed on April 14,2019.

Loss of cultural heritage such as building or places of cultural, spiritual or religious

meanings. Buddhist monks in Tawang have protested against 13 hydro projects that are being
planned. Many of these are on Nyamjang Chhu and Tawang Chu rivers. The people fears that
the 780 MW Nyamjang Chhu projects will damage the winter habitat of the black-necked
crane, which is considered by the Monpas as the embodiment of the sixth Dalai Lama (Times
of India). Accessed on April10,2019.

Nayak (2013) in his article Development, Displacement and Justice in India: Study of
Hirakud Dam, has said, dam is considered as the vehicle of development and economic
growth and it has a multi-purpose utility such as hydropower generation, flood control and
irrigation. But such construction has led to the displacement of people, and the prevailing
‘Land Acquisition Act’ (LAA) is one important factor in different countries, which empowers
the state to enjoy unlimited power over land to acquire it within its territory for “public
purpose,” which cannot be challenged by the community (Bartolome et al., 2000:9). Large
dams have altered, many river basins and ‘tribals’ or ‘indigenous people’ are the main victims
of displacement. The life of the displaced people are totally disrupted after coming to a new
environment and their dislocation results in many unwanted activities like alcoholism, petty
crimes, prostitutes and gambling etc. They also sometimes face physical and sexual violence

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in a newly relocated place (Asian Development Bank, 2003:1-6). For their re-settlement both
land based strategy and non-land based strategy are used, which again depends on the
commitment level of the government. Rawl’s general conception of justice and examining the
case of the Hirakud dam, shows that how the oustees not only lost their income and wealth
but also social goods (liberty, opportunity and the very basis of their self-respect) raising the
question of equality and justice. Initiatives to rehabilitate them by the Indian state of Odisha
proved to be a total failure because of poor planning and a callous attitude. It has not
mentioned the execution of both land-based and non-land based strategy.

Roluahpuia (2018) in the article Hydro-nation, Discourse and Discontent in Northeast

India: The Case of Tipaimukh Dam, Manipur has discussed that India after Independence has
become one of the leading countries for dam construction. The Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP)
constructed in the Narmada basin has been a trending topic for debate and same has been in
North Eastern part of India. In this article, focused has been given on the use of framework of
securitisation theory of the Copenhagen School (CS) to analyse how development policies for
the Northeast are framed as a ‘security’ issue. The issue of security-development nexus
remained unexplored and continuous to exist. This article throws light on the reason of
considering Northeast as a insecure states and goes a long way towards the construction of
development as a security issues. The central idea revolved around the development agendas
that are designed and crafted for the Northeast is within the discourse of security. It throws
light on how ‘security-development’ nexus unfolds and how the two get appropriated and
incorporated both in policy and practice. In the case of Tipaimukh dam in Manipur, how their
development policy later became the issue of security, which continuous to dominate political
and developmental concerns. The main argument is how the issue of securitisation is
integrated with the development agents of Northeast states. It does not explain clearly the
implementation of development agendas.

Vagolikar (2011) mentioned that the large dam blocks the flow of river water and traps
the sediments and nutrients which are vital for fertilizing downstream plains. This will affect
the agriculture of the people leading to food insecurity. It will also have an impact on the
chapories (Riverine Island and tracts) and groundwater domain in downstream areas.

Klingensmith (2007) has noted that there has been a high degree of variability in the
performance of dams, with some being plagued by numerous problems and others being

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relatively problem free. Generally, multipurpose dams are more difficulties than the single
purpose dams. There is no mention about the suitability of dam according to their resistance
capacity of ecology.

The main argument by understanding the review of all the above related literature , there is
no need of tunnelling and building of dam in a geologically fragile landscape creating more
risks when there is not much relevance of big dams in the region especially when the region
is landscape prone area, geologically fragile and seismically active area.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study will have these following objectives:

 To find out the reason of protest against dam construction in Tawang district.
 To know the irrelevance of dam construction in Tawang.
 To identify the role of monks in the protest.
 To compare social movement in Tawang with other social movement in Arunachal.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Study sample: There are total 10 blocks in Tawang district, out of which 3 blocks will be
selected to study. And from the total population of the three blocks, total 6 villages will be
selected, 2 from each blocks and total 30 people will be selected as a study sample. Therefore
the purposive sampling will be use for the study.

Sources of data: The present study is a descriptive study and the information will be
collected from both primary and secondary data. The study will analyse different aspects of
problems in the particular area.

Tools and techniques for the study: To collect the data, a semi-structured interview
schedule and Unstructured Questionnaire will employ. A questionnaire cum interview
schedule will design in English for the respondents convenience but translation into local
dialect will be used at the time of administration whenever needed. The few selected people

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from the relevant field will be conducted to record data from the land affected area, which
will be divided into five categories which are as follows:

 Buddhist monks in common.

 Leaders who organize the protests.
 Political leaders who supports the dam.
 Land affected people.
 Intellectuals and the civil society.

The participant observation method will be used which is consisted of all sorts, sense
perception will be used as one of the main tools of data collection.

RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY

This present study is a proposal to study a very important contemporary issue of

Arunachal Pradesh in general and Tawang district in particular. The topic of dam construction
and hydropower project can be an interesting topic to study in the area, wherein its affect on
socio-economic, cultural and environmental degradation is maximum but still despite many
risks and dangers, some support it for their personal interest and benefits. The study will be
focusing on understanding the destruction and degradation on environment created by so
called developmental activities and how a very known peaceful society get disturbed by such
construction. By studying the aspects of this developmental projects and its benefits, we will
come to know how peaceful and smooth society is being compromised, one can also
understand the consequences of this projects in coming future. When we say this, many
instances are there in our nation or in international level but the recent incident in Kerala
state is worth mentioning which recorded the worst flood in nearly a century. Over 483
people died and 14 people are said to be missing. About a million people were evacuated and
the reason of flood in the state are unusual high rainfall, overflow gates of the Idukki Dam,
rise of water level accompanied by landslide had left the state in worst situation. This kind of
incidents are in high probability to happen in near future which cannot be ignored by anyone.
When proposing such developmental plans, the possible outcomes are needed to be taking
care of. Here are some of the reason why the dams can give negative impacts and a feeling of
insecurity and a reason of discontentment among people in the study area: displacement of
people due to submergence of the village and arable land creating huge material loss and

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social disruptions, demographic change due to inflow of outsider as workforce and other
opportunities. Loss of cultural heritage such as buildings or places of cultural, spiritual, or
religious meanings(very specific to the study area). Exclusion of common people’s decision is
one of the main reason. And if in any case such developmental activities are needed due to
any reason, then it will be good to go with mini/micro or small hydro power projects ranging
from few kilowatts to few megawatts. Detailed information in this study would benefits many
researchers for further references regarding the concerned issue. The completion of this
research project may serve a general and specific benefits to many as possible, as there is
very limited work has been done in the same society.

AREA OF THE STUDY

Tawang is one of the smallest district of Arunachal Pradesh in the north east India. Tawang
district occupies an area of 2,172 square kilometres. The district is divided into three sub-
divisions: Tawang, Lumla, and Jang. The river system of Tawang district is a part of
Brahmaputra river basin. One of the prominent rivers are Nyamjang Chhu river, which will be
the main area of study. The rivers flow in the South Westerly direction and it is perennial in
nature. The dam which was proposed is said to build over this river and the expansion of
hydropower project in the district, which is located in a geo-hazardous areas as the area is
tectonically active and sound to regional threat.

CHAPTERIZATION OF THE STUDY

The present topic “Dam Construction: A Study of Conflict and Protest in Tawang District of
Arunachal Pradesh” will be compiled and consolidated in various chapters.

Chapter 1. Proposal of Dam Construction in Tawang District.

Chapter 2.Cultural and Religious Belief System of Monpa People Towards Dam.

Chapter 3. Social Movements in Tawang District.

Chapter 4. Proper Development Policy.

Chapter 5. Means of Resolving Conflict.

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REFERENCES

Nayak, A.K. (2017). “Development, Displacement and Justice: Study of Hirakud Dam”. Social
Change, 43(3), 397-419. New Delhi: SAGE Publications. Retrieved from
DOI:10.1177/00494299

Roluahpuia. (2018). “Hydro-nation, Discourse and Discontent in Northeast India: The Case of
Tipaimukh Dam, Manipur”. Society and Culture in South Asia 4(2) 1-23. New Delhi:
SAGE Publications. Retrieved from DOI:10.1177/2393861718767235

Megu, K. (2017). Development Issues in North East India. New Delhi (INDIA): Mittal
Publication. Pp. 91-109.

Fam, S.D. (2017). “China Came, China Left?: The Sarawakian Experience with Chinese Dam
Building”, in: Journal of Current Affairs, 46(3), 119-158. Retrieved from
https://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jcca/article/view/1110/1117

Bhattacharjee, J. (2013). “Dams and Eenvironmental Movements: The Cases From India’s
North East”. Vol. 3, Issue No. 11: International Journal of Scientific and Research
Publications. Retrieved on April 15, 2019.

Guha, R.C. (2012). India After Gandhi: The History of World Largest Democracy (eds.).
Eccopress.

Sahu, D.R. (2011). Sociology of Social Movement (eds.). New Delhi: SAGE Publication India Pvt
Ltd.

Cernea, M.M. (1990). “Poverty Risks from Population Displacement in Water Resources and
Development. Development Discussion Paper no. 335. Cambridge, MA: Harvard
Institute for International Development. Retrieved on April 12,2019.

Das, Veena. (1996). Dislocation and Rehabilitation-Defining a Field. Economic and Political
Weekly. Vol. 31, Issue No. 24. Retrieved on April 11, 2019.

Menon, Meena, N.Vagholikar, K. Kohli and A. Fernandes. (2013). Large Dams in North East: A
Bright Future. Ecologist Asia. Pp 3-8. Retrieved on April 12,2019.

Beck, U. (1992). Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity. London: SAGE.

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Dam Construction: A Study of Conflict and Protest in Tawang District
of Arunachal Pradesh

PAPER -IV : MAKING OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL

M.Phil. SECOND SEMESTER

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Tenzin Wangmu Dr. Shashank Yadav

Roll No: 18/MP/SOC/05 Asst. Professor

Deptt. Of Sociology Deptt. Of Sociology

RGU, A.P RGU, AP

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