New Delhi, Aug. 3 -- Members of the Siang Indigenous Farmer's Forum (SIFF) on Saturday raised concerns with the proposed 11,300 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh, saying the project is being undertaken without the informed consent of the affected indigenous communities. In a press conference held in the Capital, the farmers' body noted several ecological concerns with the project. "Massive and irreversible ecological damage was also highlighted about the project which would cause destruction of biodiversity-hotspots, leading to loss of indigenous medicinal plants and endemic flora and fauna, cutting of old growth forests and disruption of riverine ecosystems whilst the project is proposed in seismic zone V with eminent threat of dam- triggered earthquakes/seismic activity such as erosion, flooding, etc," a statement issued by the body said. "GLOF (Glacier Lake Outburst Flooding) was highlighted as an eminent threat due to climate change induced rapid glacier melting of rivers in Arunachal..." The proposed mega dam, which will be built over the Siang river, has triggered strong opposition and public protests from indigenous tribal communities in the state and downstream areas in Assam. This stems from the potential displacement of over 150,000 people, mostly from the Adi and other indigenous tribes, and the submergence of 27 villages, including Kekar Moying, a historic site where the historic Anglo Abor (British-Adi) war took place, the statement said. "We are not against the government but you have to consult us. That is the procedure for any clearance," SIFF legal adviser Bhanu Tatak said. "Adis and other indigenous tribes are affected as there would be displacement from ancestral lands. Isn't this a violation of democratic processes? We are in peaceful protest." SIFF said heavy deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in Siang district has led to fear among locals. "Intensive protests have been going on to this day by local PAFs (project affected families) in Siang region, opposing the proposed dam PFR (pre-feasibility report) leading to public anguish and desperate measures like road blockades and verbal confrontations with district authorities," the farmers' body said. Tatak further said there's not enough information on the proposed 60,000 MW Motuo Hydropower Project being constructed by China across the border, in response to which India has intensified the construction of the hydroelectric project. HT sought a response from NHPC Limited (erstwhile National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) on the concerns raised by SIFF but did not receive a response till the time of going to print....