Dear Esteemed Leaders,

We, the Nukung Welfare Society, representing the indigenous Mishmi communities of Nukung and Mla villages in Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, issue this urgent petition to demand the immediate halt of the proposed 1200 MW Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project (HEP) on the Lohit River. This project is being pursued without our Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), threatening the very existence of our ancestral lands, cultural heritage and the delicate ecosystem of the Lohit River.

The Problem: A Project of Destruction, Not Development.

The Kalai-II HEP, to be developed by THDC India Limited, poses an existential threat to our communities and environment:

 1. Flagrant Violation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC): Despite being a fundamental rightd enshrined in international and Indian legal frameworks for indigenous populations, our consent has neither been freely given, prior, nor informed. The so-called "public consultation" and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) review meeting were inadequate, opaque, and failed to genuinely engage with our collective decision-making processes. Our unequivocal rejection, formally submitted to the Anjaw Deputy Commissioner, has been ignored.

 2. Imminent Displacement and Cultural Erasure: 
The SIA report itself confirms that Nukung village will face 100% submergence and Mla village will be severely impacted. This is not mere displacement; it is the total obliteration of our ancestral lands, livelihoods and cultural identity. 
Our sacred sites, including Hutung Graam (the abode of our supreme deity), ancient burial grounds and traditional forests, will be submerged forever, leading to an irreversible cultural genocide.

 3. Ecological Catastrophe: 
The project threatens the rich biodiversity of the Lohit River basin. It will lead to large-scale deforestation, destruction of critical wildlife habitats and irreversible damage to the river's unique aquatic life, which is vital for our sustenance. 
Furthermore, situating a large dam in the highly seismic Himalayan region carries grave risks of induced seismicity and potential disaster, jeopardizing lives downstream.

 4. Flawed and Inadequate Assessments: Concerns have been repeatedly raised regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and SIA studies, which are widely considered incomplete, shoddy and lacking scientific rigor. They fail to adequately address the cumulative impacts of multiple dams proposed in the Lohit basin and the long-term consequences for the Brahmaputra Delta.

Our Demand: Justice, Consent and Sustainable Future.

We, the Nukung Welfare Society, on behalf of our indigenous communities and all concerned citizens, demand the following:

 1. IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF ALL WORK: All ongoing activities related to the Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project must be halted without delay.

 2. Uphold Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC): A new, genuine and transparent FPIC process must be initiated with the affected Mishmi communities, fully respecting our customary laws, traditional decision-making processes and collective right to self-determination. Our decision, whether to consent or withhold consent, must be respected.

 3. Comprehensive and Independent Assessments: Conduct a fresh, scientifically robust, and independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA), with the full participation of and oversight by affected communities and independent experts.

 4. Prioritize Sustainable Alternatives: 
Explore and invest in truly sustainable and decentralized energy solutions that do not entail mass displacement, environmental destruction or human rights violations.

 5. Protect Indigenous Rights and Heritage: Recognize and legally protect our ancestral lands, cultural sites and traditional knowledge, ensuring that our heritage is preserved for future generations.

Why do these matters:

This is not just about a dam; it is about respecting human rights, protecting invaluable ecosystems and upholding the principles of justice and equitable development. Denying FPIC undermines the very fabric of democracy and sustainable development. We urge you to listen to the voices of the people who will bear the irreversible costs of this project.

Join Us:

We implore all citizens, environmentalists, human rights advocates and policymakers to stand in solidarity with the Mishmi communities of Anjaw District. Sign this petition and share it widely. Let us send a clear message: Development must not come at the cost of our homes, our culture and our planet.

The Nukung Welfare Society(NWS).
Contact: 9233913881.
Email: rosetawsik@gmail.com

Date: June 14, 2025.