Anti-dam activist spurns Arunachal talks, says negotiations window closed

Katon Moyong, a prominent environmental and social activist from Arunachal Pradesh, has turned down overtures from the state government for negotiations over the proposed Siang river dam project, signaling an end to dialogue efforts. In his rejection, Moyong argued that the window for constructive talks has closed, and further engagement would be futile given the administration's entrenched position.

The activist has been at the forefront of resistance to the 11,200-megawatt hydroelectric scheme, which remains one of India's largest pending infrastructure projects. Moyong's opposition centers on concerns about the project's environmental and social impacts on the state's communities and ecosystems.

Moyong has specifically criticized the government's invocation of national security considerations in advancing the dam project. He contends that framing the initiative as a matter of strategic importance is a tactic designed to circumvent public resistance and suppress legitimate dissent from affected populations and civil society groups.

The Siang project, conceived as a run-of-river facility on the Brahmaputra tributary, has faced sustained opposition from environmental groups and local communities since its proposal. The activist's firm rejection of dialogue reflects deepening polarization between project proponents and those concerned about its feasibility and impact.