GUWAHATI, March 14 � Anti-mega dam activists today held an assembly by the river Siang on the occasion of the International Day of Action against Dams and for Rivers, which is meant for removal of the dams and restoration of the rivers, among others.
It is a day to educate one another about the threats facing our rivers, and learn about better water and energy solutions. It is observed as per the decision of the first international meeting of the representatives of the dam-affected people of 20 countries held in1997 at Curitiba, Brazil.
Siang, called Ane Siang or Mother Siang by the Arunachal people, is regarded to be one of the oldest rivers of the country and is the sources of the rich ecosystem of the valley through which it is flowing. It is also the source of the rich civilisation that has developed by its sides for centuries.
The anti-mega dam activists today called upon the people to unite against the moves to dam the Siang. The orgainsations which took active part in the assembly and demonstration included the Forum for Siang Dialogue, Siang Peoples� Forum, Mebo Area Bachao Committee and the Adi Students� Union, said a press release here.
