Chapter-6 Socio-economic aspects - Arunachal...

Lower Siang Hydroelectric Project Chapter-6: Socio-economic profile

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CHAPTER-6

SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE

6.1 INTRODUCTION

Arunachal Pradesh covers an area of 83,743 sq. km and has an extension

between latitudes 260 28’ to 290 30’ N and longitudes 910 30’ to 970 30’ E.

Arunachal Pradesh is bordered by Bhutan in west, Myanmar in east, Tibet in

north and Assam in south. The total population of Arunachal Pradesh is

10,91,117 with a sex ratio of 901 (Census, 2001). The average population

density is 13 persons per sq. km. Average literacy rate in Arunachal Pradesh

is 54.74%. Administratively, The state is divided into 13 districts namely

Tawang, West Kameng, East kameng, Papaum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Upper

Subansiri, West Siang, East Siang, Upper Siang, Dibang valley, Lohit,

Changlang and Tirap. Itanagar is state capital of Arunachal Pradesh, which is

located in Papum Pare district.

Before 1970 West Siang was a part of Siang Frontier Division, which was

recognized as Siang district after census 1971. Later on Siang district was

divided into West Siang and East Siang districts. On the 23rd November, 1994

Upper Siang district was formed by carving out a few administrative circles

from East Siang district. The head quarter of East Siang district is located at

Pasighat. East Siang district comprises of 4 C.D. Block s and 12 circles.

The total population of East Siang district is 87397 belonging to 16133

households. Sex ratio is 931. The age group below 6 year accounts for 18%

of total population. Scheduled caste population accounts only for 0.6% of

total population while Scheduled tribe accounts for about 69.1% of the total

population. The sex ratio among the Scheduled tribe population is 1002. Of

the total population of Siang district 38.3% are workers. Main workers are

about 86% of total work force whereas remaining (14%) are marginal

workers. Male population among the main workers and female population

among the marginal workers are predominant. Main workers are engaged in

cultivation, agriculture and household industries.


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6.2 STUDY AREA

The proposed Siang Hydro-electric Project is likely to affect villages

downstream, up to the confluence with river Brahamputra. This chapter

presents the overall social and economic status of the population in the

downstream study area villages, as per Census of India, 2001.

This Chapter outlines the overall socio-economic status of the downstream

impact villages. A total of 16 villages, on the right bank, and 9 villages, on

the left bank, are likely to get affected as a result of the proposed project.

The villages on the right bank comes under CD Block Pasighat and villages in

the left bank comes under CD Block Mebo. The location of various villages is

shown in Figure-8.1.

6.3 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE IN THE DOWN STREAM AREA

The detailed description of the socio-economic profile is highlighted in the

following sub-sections, which gives an overall summary of the socio-

economic conditions prevailing in the down-stream area. For the purpose of

this assessment a study was delineated, which comprises of an area of 5 km

on either sides of river Siang from the proposed dam site until the confluence

of the river Siang with river Brahmaputra. The information on various socio-

economic parameters for this assessment has been extracted from the

Census 2001 database. In addition, public consultations were also carried

out on either banks, in randomly selected villages to understand socio-

economic and livelihood aspects of the residents in the selected study area.

It is observed that there are two Circles, namely Pasighat and Mebo, that lie

on either sides of the River Siang, viz., right bank and left bank respectively.

In all there are 16 villages, on the right bank, and 9 villages, on the left

bank, within the study area downstream villages. Based on the census

information it is assessed that the total population in the downstream study

area villages is 34,911 persons residing in 12,317 households. It is also

observed that population residing on the left bank and the right bank

constitute about 20% and 80% respectively.


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6.3.1 Ethnography

East Siang district is inhabited predominantly by ‘Adi’ tribes, formerly

referred as ‘Abor’. Other tribes are ‘Membas’ and ‘Khambas’. The ‘Adi’ group

comprise a large number of tribal sub-groups, united by a common language.

‘Adi’ are divided broadly into two groups – Minyongs and Gallongs. ‘Adi’ are

the main indigenous tribe of the surrounding areas of proposed Lower Siang

hydroelectric project. ‘Adi’ means friendly and progressive in viewpoint.

Earlier, ‘Adi’ were known as ‘Abor’. ‘Adi’ tribe comprises of many sub-groups

namely, Padam, Minyong, Pangi, Shimong, Ashing, Pasi, Karko, Bokar, Bori,

Ramo, Pailibo, Milang, Tangam and Tangin. Each sub-group has its own

entities. Bokar are predominant groups of Adi in the surrounding areas of the

proposed project.

People follow method of shifting cultivation. The interesting system of

polyandry exists among them. The marriages are not necessarily arranged

among the clans. The marriages depend on the mutual understanding of the

couple, in which male partner offers for the alliance. The bride price is very

common among the tribal people depending on the family status. Generally,

mithuns are offered by male partner as bride price. Marriage ceremony lasts

for about 6 days, in which flesh of mithun and wild animals are served.

The ‘Podi Barbi’ is famous festival of this group, which is celebrated for 6

days. The people worship Doniy – Polo (Sun and Moon), though, Christian

missionaries have entered in the region and a large number of people have

been converted into Christianity.

‘Adi’ believes in the existence of a host of sprit, good or evil, generally called

Uyu or Wiyu. In the religious functionaries of ‘Adi’, a class of persons is

regarded as capable of combating the evil sprits and performing religious

rites and sacrifices. In the tribal societies, festivals are of special significance

and value. Mopin and Solung are important festivals among the ‘Adi’ tribes.

The mortuary rites of ‘Adi’ are based on a belief that life in some continues to


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exist after death, which leads an idea of the soul. The burial is the common

method of disposal of the dead.

Animal hunting is a common practice among the tribes. Animal are hunted

not only for to fulfill their food requirement but for thrill of joy, customs and

festival celebration. People use mainly gun for the hunting.

6.3.2 Caste distribution of downstream population

The majority of the population residing in the downstream study area villages

belongs to the Scheduled Tribes category (around 54%), closely followed by

those belonging to the General Caste category (around 45%), whereas a

small minority (around 1%) belongs to the Scheduled Caste category. The

caste distribution, for the right (Pasighat Circle) and left (Mebo Circle) banks,

is shown in Table-6.1.

TABLE-6.1 Circle-wise caste distribution of the affected population

Total Population, by Caste Category Circle Name

Total Population

General Caste

% Scheduled Caste

% Scheduled Tribe

%

Pasighat 27,985 15,423 55.1

417 1.5 12,145 43.4

Mebo 6,926 364 5.3 8 0.1 6,554 94.6

Grand Total

34,911 15,787

45.2

425 1.2

18,699 53.6

Source: Primary Census Abstract, Census of India, 2001

6.3.3 Population Characteristics

The village-wise demographic profile of the affected population is depicted in

Table-6.2. As per Census of India, 2001, a total population of about 34,911

persons is likely to be affected. Out of this population, males and females

constitute about 52% and 48% of the total affected population.


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TABLE-6.2 Village-wise demographic profile of the affected population

Village Name N

um

ber

o

f h

ou

seh

old

s

To

tal

Po

pu

lati

on

Male

Fem

ale

Po

pu

lati

on

<

6 y

ears

Sex r

ati

o

Avera

ge

Fam

ily s

ize

Pasighat Circle Tigra 20 130 69 61 23 884 6.5 Rasam 26 160 76 84 28 1105 6.2 Gunne 15 112 57 55 13 965 7.5 Balek 49 299 157 142 56 904 6.1 Dapi 141 686 382 304 105 796 4.9 Mirku 96 655 290 365 72 1259 6.8 Mirsam 127 790 376 414 126 1101 6.2 Mirbuk 182 1126 536 590 147 1101 6.2 Yagrung 142 778 394 384 126 975 5.5 Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp 22 101 58 43 20 741 4.6 3rd Mile 40 237 129 108 46 837 5.9 7th Mile Camp 28 145 75 70 24 933 5.2 Tajum 64 388 209 179 84 856 6.1 Rengging 39 191 106 85 30 802 4.9 Diking 35 222 110 112 28 1018 6.3 Pasighat (CT) 4583 21965 11631 10334 3480 888 4.8 Sub-Total Pasighat Circle 5609 27985 14655 13330 4408 910 5.0 Mebo Circle Bodak 32 200 97 103 37 1062 6.3 Ayeng 153 944 491 453 163 923 6.2 Upper Ngyopok/Ngopok 237 1538 762 776 283 1018 6.5 Kiyit/Kiyit Lower 194 1206 601 605 272 1007 6.2 Borguli (Old & New) 160 915 463 452 198 976 5.7 Seram 126 827 411 416 210 1012 6.6 Motum Vill. 110 693 350 343 132 980 6.3 Ralling 27 202 101 101 21 1000 7.5 Sigar 60 401 191 210 60 1099 6.7 Sub-Total Mebo Circle 1099 6926 3467 3459 1376 998 6.3 Grand Total 6708 34911 18122 16789 5784 926 5.2 Source: Primary Census Abstract, Census of India, 2001


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The average family size observed among the downstream population on the

right bank is of the order of about 5 persons per family, whereas on the left

bank, it is around 6 persons per family. This is probably influenced by the

remoteness of settlements on the left bank. The average sex ratio, i.e. no. of

females per 1000 males, observed among the affected population is of the

tune of 910 females per 1000 males on the right bank, and 998 females per

1000 males on the left bank. The difference in sex ratio between the two

banks could perhaps be attributed to the influx of immigrant male workers

into the settlements on the right bank.

6.3.4 Educational profile

The educational profile among the downstream population as per the data

available from the Census of India, 2001, is given in Table-6.3.

TABLE-6.3 Educational profile of the downstream population

Village Name To

tal

Po

pu

lati

on

Lit

era

te

Po

pu

lati

on

Male

li

tera

tes

Fem

ale

li

tera

tes

Illi

tera

te

Po

pu

lati

on

M

ale

Il

lite

rate

s Fem

ale

Il

lite

rate

s

Pasighat Circle Tigra 130 74 47 27 56 22 34 Rasam 160 94 49 45 66 27 39 Gunne 112 72 40 32 40 17 23 Balek 299 191 111 80 108 46 62 Dapi 686 415 263 152 271 119 152 Mirku 655 479 241 238 176 49 127 Mirsam 790 524 289 235 266 87 179 Mirbuk 1126 749 402 347 377 134 243 Yagrung 778 247 133 114 531 261 270 Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp 101 14 10 4 87 48 39 3rd Mile 237 57 46 11 180 83 97 7th Mile Camp 145 42 26 16 103 49 54 Tajum 388 116 77 39 272 132 140 Rengging 191 97 59 38 94 47 47 Diking 222 165 87 78 57 23 34

Pasighat (CT) 21965

13882 8108

5774 8083

3523

4560


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Village Name To

tal

Po

pu

lati

on

Lit

era

te

Po

pu

lati

on

Male

li

tera

tes

Fem

ale

li

tera

tes

Illi

tera

te

Po

pu

lati

on

M

ale

Il

lite

rate

s Fem

ale

Il

lite

rate

s

Sub-Total Pasighat Circle

27985

17218 9988

7230

10767

4667

6100

Mebo Circle Bodak 200 97 51 46 103 46 57 Ayeng 944 302 189 113 642 302 340 Upper Ngyopok/Ngopok 1538 588 350 238 950 412 538 Kiyit/Kiyit Lower 1206 397 245 152 809 356 453 Borguli (Old and New) 915 478 292 186 437 171 266 Seram 827 296 180 116 531 231 300 Motum Village 693 174 104 70 519 246 273 Ralling 202 31 22 9 171 79 92 Sigar 401 226 118 108 175 73 102 Sub-Total Mebo Circle 6926 2589 1551

1038 4337

1916

2421

Grand Total 34911

19807

11539

8268

15104

6583

8521


As per Table-6.3, about 43.3% of the downstream population is illiterate/ not

going to school. The remaining population, i.e., 56.7% is either literate or is

presently continuing with their education. In the right bank, literate

population accounts for about 61.5%, whereas on left bank, literate

population accounts for just 37.4% of the total population. The reason for

such a wide variation is that villages on the left bank are more remote, from

the district headquarters. The proportion of male and female literates, is

more or less same between villages on the right and left bank the male and

female literacy rates are 58% and 42% respectively.

6.3.5 Occupational profile

The occupational profile of the main working population in the downstream

study area villages is shown in Table-6.4. As per Census of India, 2001, it

may be observed that, out of the total of 34,911 persons about 12,482


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persons or 35.8% are gainfully engaged in an economic activity. This group

consists of persons engaged in cultivation, labour, household industry and

other industry, which constitute about 26.4%, 7.9%, 2.5% and 63.3% of the

total working population respectively.

TABLE-6.4 Occupational profile of downstream population – Main Workers

Main Workers Main Worker Categories

Village Name T

ota

l W

ork

ing

P

op

ula

tio

n

To

tal

Male

s

Fem

ale

s

Cu

ltiv

ato

rs A

gri

cult

ur

al

Lab

ou

r

Ho

use

ho

ld

Ind

ust

ry

Oth

er

Ind

ust

ry

Pasighat Circle Tigra 54 25 17 8 20 0 0 5 Rasam 71 34 25 9 21 0 0 13 Gunne 49 26 16 10 19 2 0 5 Balek 56 56 46 10 18 0 0 38 Dapi 222 219 178 41 7 0 0 212 Mirku 117 110 74 36 25 1 0 84 Mirsam 266 225 121 104 11 24 0 190 Mirbuk 282 218 143 75 47 18 1 152 Yagrung 378 370 190 180 282 3 8 77 Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp 61 61 36 25 2 59 0 0 3rd Mile 138 137 73 64 0 134 0 3 7th Mile Camp 73 73 44 29 2 66 1 4 Tajum 198 197 105 92 3 173 2 19 Rengging 74 32 26 6 2 3 0 27 Diking 69 58 38 20 4 1 0 53

Pasighat (CT) 6727 6288 5058

1230 100 129 151

5908

Sub-Total Pasighat Circle 8835 8129

6190

1939 563 613 163

6790

Mebo Circle Bodak 87 20 14 6 0 0 0 20 Ayeng 462 447 221 226 374 1 24 48 Upper Ngyopok/Ngopok 1085 682 360 322 591 18 4 69 Kiyit/Kiyit Lower 557 362 230 132 304 6 5 47 Borguli (Old & New) 511 411 221 190 218 2 23 168


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Main Workers Main Worker Categories

Village Name T

ota

l W

ork

ing

P

op

ula

tio

n

To

tal

Male

s

Fem

ale

s

Cu

ltiv

ato

rs A

gri

cult

ur

al

Lab

ou

r

Ho

use

ho

ld

Ind

ust

ry

Oth

er

Ind

ust

ry

Seram 352 308 156 152 282 1 0 25 Motum Vill. 362 285 138 147 233 2 0 50 Ralling 84 46 34 12 36 1 1 8 Sigar 147 139 71 68 123 0 9 7 Sub-Total Mebo Circle 3647 2700

1445

1255

2161 31 66 442

Grand Total 12482 10829

7635

3194

2724 644 229

7232


Greater diversification in occupation profile is observed in the villages on the

right bank. On the left bank, i.e., in Mebo Circle, cultivators account for the

highest proportion of working population (80%), which may be because of

the inherent rural nature of settlements on that side of the river. Another

reason for the sharp difference in occupational profile in villages on both

sides of the bank could be the fact that the district headquarters, Pasighat, is

located on the right bank: thus the right bank is more urbanized and work

opportunities of a more diversified nature may be available.

The occupational profile of the marginal working population in the

downstream study area villages is given in Table-6.5.


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TABLE-6.5 Occupational profile of downstream population – Marginal Workers

Marginal Workers Marginal Worker Categories

Village Name T

ota

l W

ork

ing

P

op

ula

tio

n

To

tal

Male

s

Fem

ale

s

Cu

ltiv

ato

rs A

gri

cult

ur

al

Lab

ou

r

Ho

use

ho

ld

Ind

ust

ry

Oth

er

Ind

ust

ry

Pasighat Circle Tigra 54 25 17 8 20 0 0 5 Rasam 71 34 25 9 21 0 0 13 Gunne 49 26 16 10 19 2 0 5 Balek 56 56 46 10 18 0 0 38 Dapi 222 219 178 41 7 0 0 212 Mirku 117 110 74 36 25 1 0 84 Mirsam 266 225 121 104 11 24 0 190 Mirbuk 282 218 143 75 47 18 1 152 Yagrung 378 370 190 180 282 3 8 77 Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp 61 61 36 25 2 59 0 0 3rd Mile 138 137 73 64 0 134 0 3 7th Mile Camp 73 73 44 29 2 66 1 4 Tajum 198 197 105 92 3 173 2 19 Rengging 74 32 26 6 2 3 0 27 Diking 69 58 38 20 4 1 0 53 Pasighat (CT) 6727 6288 5058 1230 100 129 151 5908 Sub-Total Pasighat Circle 8835

8129

6190

1939 563 613 163

6790

Mebo Circle Bodak 87 20 14 6 0 0 0 20 Ayeng 462 447 221 226 374 1 24 48 Upper Ngyopok/Ngopok 1085 682 360 322 591 18 4 69 Kiyit/Kiyit Lower 557 362 230 132 304 6 5 47 Borguli (Old & New) 511 411 221 190 218 2 23 168 Seram 352 308 156 152 282 1 0 25 Motum Vill. 362 285 138 147 233 2 0 50 Ralling 84 46 34 12 36 1 1 8 Sigar 147 139 71 68 123 0 9 7 Sub-Total Mebo Circle 3647

2700

1445

1255

2161 31 66 442

Grand Total 12482

1653 769 884 567 339 83 664



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Amongst marginal workers too, the same category-wise working population

pattern is observed as in the case of main workers. The overall pattern

shows that the ‘other industries’ account for the highest proportion of

marginal workers (around 40%), followed by cultivators (around 34%),

agricultural labour (about 21%) and those engaged in household industries

(around 5%), which is similar to the distribution pattern observed amongst

main workers. Here too, the overall pattern is replicated in the right bank,

i.e., in Pasighat Circle, whereas on the left bank, i.e., Mebo Circle, cultivators

account for the highest proportion of marginal workers (about 42%).

6.4 Access to amenities and facilities

6.4.1 Sources of power and energy

All villages in the downstream area, with the exception of Diking situated on

the right bank (Pasighat Circle) are provided with domestic power supply.

Power supply for agriculture, on the other hand, is available to households in

only single village, i.e. 3rd Mile, which is situated in Pasighat Circle (left

bank).

6.4.2 Drinking Water

All villages in the downstream area have access to drinking water. All villages

in the study area, with the exception of Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp, which is

located on the right bank (Pasighat Circle) are connected to the tap water

supply system. The latter, however, meets its drinking water requirements

from river Siang.

6.4.3 Educational facilities

Educational facilities are available in 20 out of the 25 downstream area study

villages (about 80%). These include 11 of the 16 villages on the right bank

(Pasighat Circle) and all villages on the left bank (Mebo Circle).

Primary Schools are present in 18 of the 25 downstream study area villages

(around 70%). The former comprises of 13 villages of Pasighat Circle and 8

villages of Mebo Circle. Of the 6 villages within Pasighat Circle, that do not

have a primary school, 3 villages (namely, Tiga, rasam and 7th Mile camp)


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have primary schools within 5 km. For one village (Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp)

primary school is located 5 to 10 km away. The details of access to education

facilities in the downstream study area villages is given in Table-6.6.

TABLE-6.6 Access to educational facilities in the downstream villages

Village Name P

rim

ar

y

Sch

oo

l

Mid

dle

S

cho

ol

Sen

ior

Sch

oo

l

Co

lleg

e

Lit

era

cy

Cen

tre

Pasighat Circle

Tigra < 5 km < 5 km N.A. 5 - 10

km

Rasam < 5 km < 5 km N.A. > 10

km

Gunne 1 5 - 10

km N.A. 5 - 10

km

Balek 1 1 1 5 - 10

km 1 Dapi 1 < 5 km N.A. < 5 km Mirku 1 1 1 < 5 km Mirsam 1 < 5 km N.A. < 5 km Mirbuk 1 < 5 km N.A. < 5 km

Yagrung 1

1 N.A. > 10

km Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp

5 - 10 km

5 - 10 km

N.A. > 10 km

3rd Mile 1 5 - 10

km N.A. 5 - 10

km 7th Mile Camp < 5 km < 5 km N.A. < 5 km

Tajum 1

< 5 km N.A. 5 - 10

km

Rengging 1 > 10

km N.A. > 10

km

Diking > 10 km

> 10 km

N.A. > 10 km

Pasighat (CT) N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. Mebo Circle

Bodak 1 > 10

km N.A. > 10

km 1

Ayeng 1 1 N.A. > 10

km

Upper 1 1 N.A. > 10


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Village Name P

rim

ar

y

Sch

oo

l

Mid

dle

S

cho

ol

Sen

ior

Sch

oo

l

Co

lleg

e

Lit

era

cy

Cen

tre

Ngyopok/Ngopok km

Kiyit/Kiyit Lower 1 < 5 km N.A. > 10

km

Borguli (Old & New) 0 1 1 > 10

km

Seram 1 1 N.A. > 10

km

Motum Vill. 1 1 N.A. > 10

km

Ralling 1 < 5 km N.A. > 10

km

Sigar 1 5 - 10

km N.A. > 10

km

Source: Village Directory, Census of India, 2001 Legend: N.A. – Data not available, as per Census of India, 2001

It is observed that in 8 out of the 25 downstream area study villages (around

30%) have middle schools: these consist of 3 villages on the right bank

(Pasighat Circle) and 5 on the left bank (Mebo Circle). 7 villages on the right

bank and 2 villages on the left bank are within 5 km from a middle school, 3

villages on the right bank and 1 village on the left bank are between 5 and

10 km from such a facility, and 2 villages on the right bank & 1 village on the

left bank are more than 10 km away.

Data on senior schools is unavailable for 22 of the downstream study area

villages. However, it is notable that wherever data is available, the senior

schools are present in those villages and are not located some distance

away. This is the case for the villages of Balek and Mirku, on the right bank,

and Borguli (Old & New), on the left bank.

No colleges are present in the downstream area study villages. However, 5

villages (on the right bank) are within 5 km from a college, 7 settlements (on

the right bank) are between 5 and 10 km from such a facility, and 14 villages


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(5 on the right bank and 9 on the left bank) are located more than 10 km

away.

One adult literacy centre each is situated on either side of the river Siang.

While one is located in Balek village of the Pasighat Circle (right bank), the

other is in Bodak village of Mebo Circle (left bank).

6.4.4 Medical facilities

The village-wise access to health care facilities in the down stream area

villages is depicted in Table-6.7. As per this table, medical facilities are

available only in 1 village in the downstream study area, namely, Balek on

the right bank (Pasighat Circle) wherein a homeopathic dispensary is

observed.

TABLE-6.7 Access to medical facilities in the downstream villages

Village Name A

llo

path

ic

ho

spit

al

Ho

meo

path

ic

dis

pen

sary

Mate

rnit

y &

C

hil

d

Welf

are

C

en

tre

Pri

mary

H

ealt

h

Cen

tre

Pasighat Circle

Tigra 5 - 10 km 0 5 - 10

km 5 - 10 km

Rasam 5 - 10 km 0 5 - 10

km 5 - 10 km

Gunne 5 - 10 km 0 5 - 10

km 5 - 10 km

Balek 5 - 10 km 1 5 - 10

km 5 - 10 km

Dapi < 5 km 0 < 5 km < 5 km Mirku < 5 km 0 < 5 km < 5 km Mirsam < 5 km 0 < 5 km < 5 km Mirbuk < 5 km 0 < 5 km < 5 km Yagrung > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp

> 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km

3rd Mile 5 - 10 km 0 5 - 10

km 5 - 10 km

7th Mile Camp > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km

Tajum 5 - 10 km 0 5 - 10

km 5 - 10 km

Rengging > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km


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Village Name A

llo

path

ic

ho

spit

al

Ho

meo

path

ic

dis

pen

sary

Mate

rnit

y &

C

hil

d

Welf

are

C

en

tre

Pri

mary

H

ealt

h

Cen

tre

Diking > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km Pasighat (CT) N.A. 0 N.A. N.A. Mebo Circle Bodak > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km

Ayeng > 10 km 0 > 10 km 5 - 10

km Upper Ngyopok/Ngopok

> 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km

Kiyit/Kiyit Lower > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km Borguli (Old & New) > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km Seram > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km Motum Vill. > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km Ralling > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km Sigar > 10 km 0 > 10 km > 10 km

Source: Village Directory, Census of India, 2001 Legend: N.A. – Data not available, as per Census of India, 2001

Access to medical facilities on the right bank (Pasighat Circle) is as follows: 4

villages, namely, Dapi, Mirku, Mirsam and Mirbuk, are within 5 km each from

an allopathic hospital, a maternity & child welfare centre and a primary

health centre; 6 villages, namely, Tigra, Rasam, Gunne, Balek, 3rd Mile and

Tajum are between 5 and 10 km each from such medical establishments;

and 5 villages, namely, Yagrung, Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp, 7th Mile camp,

Rengging and Diking are more than 10 km away from such facilities.

On the left bank, all 9 villages are more than 10 km away from an allopathic

hospital and a child & maternity welfare centre. In so far as access to a

primary health centre is concerned, 8 villages are more than 10 km from

such a facility, whereas one village, namely, Ayeng, is closer, being between

5 and 10 km away.

6.4.5 Banking and credit facilities

There are no banking facilities present, commercial or cooperative in all 25

downstream study villages. On the right bank (Pasighat Circle), 4 villages are

within 5 km from banking facilities, 5 villages are between 5 and 10 km, and


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the remaining 5 villages are more than 10 km away. On the left bank (Mebo

Circle), all nine villages are more than 10 km away from such facilities.

Credit societies are present only in downstream study villages of the right

bank. These are non-agricultural credit societies and are present in 9

villages. Of the remaining 5 downstream villages on the right bank, three,

namely, Tigra, Rasam and 7th Mile Camp are within 5 km from non-

agricultural credit facilities, one, namely, Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp is

between 5 and 10 km away, and one, namely, Yagrung does not have access

to any such establishment. On the left bank, all 9 downstream study villages

are beyond 10 km from non-agricultural credit facilities. The details of access

to Banking and credit facilities in downstream study area villages is given in

Table-6.8.

TABLE-6.8

Access to banking and credit facilities in the downstream villages Bank Society

Village Name C

om

merc

ial

Co

op

era

tive

Ag

ricu

ltu

ral

Cre

dit

No

n-

ag

ricu

ltu

ral

Cre

dit

Oth

er

Pasighat Circle

Tigra >10 km >10 km 5-10 km <5 km

>10 km

Rasam 5-10 km

5-10 km

5-10 km <5 km

>10 km

Gunne 5-10 km

5-10 km

5-10 km 1

>10 km

Balek 5-10 km

5-10 km

5-10 km 1

>10 km

Dapi <5 km <5 km <5 km 1 >10 km

Mirku <5 km <5 km <5 km 1 >10 km

Mirsam <5 km <5 km <5 km 1 >10 km

Mirbuk <5 km <5 km <5 km 1 >10 km

Yagrung >10 km >10 km >10 km 2 >10


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Bank Society

Village Name C

om

merc

ial

Co

op

era

tive

Ag

ricu

ltu

ral

Cre

dit

No

n-

ag

ricu

ltu

ral

Cre

dit

Oth

er

km Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp >10 km >10 km >10 km

5-10 km

>10 km

3rd Mile 5-10 km

5-10 km

5-10 km 1

>10 km

7th Mile Camp >10 km >10 km >10 km <5 km >10 km

Tajum 5-10 km

5-10 km

5-10 km 1

>10 km

Rengging >10 km >10 km >10 km 1 >10 km

Pasighat (CT) Mebo Circle

Bodak >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

Ayeng >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

Upper Ngyopok/Ngopok

5-10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

>10 km

Kiyit/Kiyit Lower >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

Borguli (Old & New) >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

Seram >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

Motum Vill. >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

Ralling >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

Sigar >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

Bodak >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km >10 km

Source: Village Directory, Census of India, 2001

In so far as access to agricultural credit facilities is concerned, 4 villages on

the right bank are within 5 km from such facilities, 6 settlements on the right

bank are between 5 and 10 km away, and 4 villages on the right bank as well


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as all 9 villages on the left bank are more than 10 km beyond. Lastly, all 25

downstream study villages are more than 10 km away from other types of

credit facilities.

6.4.6 Access to Postal and telephonic services

Access to postal and telegraph services available in the down stream study

area villages is depicted in Table-6.9.

TABLE-6.9 Means of telecommunication in the downstream villages

Village Name Post

Office Telephone Pasighat Circle

Tigra <5 km 5-10 km Rasam <5 km 5-10 km Gunne 5-10 km 1 Balek 1 21 Dapi <5 km 25 Mirku <5 km 20

Mirsam <5 km 35 Mirbuk <5 km 21

Yagrung >10 km >10 km Muralali/Pillumuk

F.Camp >10 km >10 km 3rd Mile 5-10 km 5-10 km

7th Mile Camp 5-10 km 5-10 km Tajum 5-10 km <5 km

Rengging >10 km >10 km Diking <5 km 5-10 km

Pasighat (CT) Mebo Circle

Bodak >10 km >10 km Ayeng >10 km >10 km Upper

Ngyopok/Ngopok 5-10 km >10 km Kiyit/Kiyit Lower >10 km >10 km

Borguli (Old & New) >10 km >10 km Seram >10 km >10 km

Motum Vill. >10 km >10 km Ralling >10 km >10 km Sigar >10 km >10 km

Source: Village Directory, Census of India, 2001


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Post office is present in only one of the 25 downstream area study villages,

i.e. in Balek village in Pasighat Circle (right bank). Out of the remaining 24

downstream villages within the study area, 7 on the right bank are less than

5 km from a post office, 4 on the right bank and 1 (Upper

Ngyopok/Ngopok)on the left bank are between 5 and 10 km away, and 3 on

the right bank and 8 on the left bank are beyond 10 km from such a service.

6.4.7 Transportation services

All 25 villages of the downstream study area are situated more than 10 km

away from a railway station and a navigable waterway.

It is observed that 7 villages in Pasighat Circle (right bank) and 5 villages in

Mebo Circle (left bank) have a bus stop. Two villages (Dapi and Mirku) on the

right bank and one (Sigar) on the left bank are within 5 km from a bus stop.

6 villages on the right bank and 1 village on the left bank (Upper

Ngyopok/Ngopok) are between 5 and 10 km away from a bus stop. Finally,

one village on the left bank, namely, Bodak is situated more than 10 km

away from a bus stop.

6.4.8 Access to Road network

On the right bank (Pasighat Circle), 10 villages are connected by a paved

approach road, whereas 5 villages are connected by a mud approach road.

The details are given in Table-6.10.

TABLE-6.10 Approach roads in the downstream study area villages

Village Name Paved Approach Road

Mud Approach Road

Pasighat Circle Tigra 0 1 Rasam 0 1 Gunne 0 1 Balek 1 0 Dapi 1 0 Mirku 1 0 Mirsam 1 0 Mirbuk 1 0 Yagrung 1 0


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Village Name Paved Approach Road

Mud Approach Road

Muralali/Pillumuk F.Camp 0 1 3rd Mile 1 0 7th Mile Camp 1 0 Tajum 1 0 Rengging 1 0 Diking 0 1 Pasighat (CT) Mebo Circle Bodak 0 1 Ayeng 0 1 Upper Ngyopok/Ngopok 1 0 Kiyit/Kiyit Lower 1 0 Borguli (Old & New) 1 0 Seram 1 0 Motum Vill. 0 1 Ralling 0 1 Sigar 0 1 Source: Village Directory, Census of India, 2001

On the left bank (Mebo Circle), 4 villages are connected by a paved approach

road, whereas 5 villages are connected by a mud approach road.

6.5 FINDINGS OF FIELD STUDIES

As mentioned earlier, there are 25 villages in the study area villages,

including 16 villages on the right bank and 9 villages on the left bank. The

villages on right bank lie within Pasighat circle. Likewise, villages on the left

bank lie within Mebo circle. The total population in these villages is 34911.

The population density is higher than villages on the right bank, and they

amount for about 80% of the villages in downstream study area villages.

Agriculture

During the field studies and public consultations, it was learnt that in the

down stream study area villages, the locals had historically cut the forest

areas along the river bank and had begun sedentary cultivation. The locals

cultivate paddy mainly. In addition vegetables are also grown. It was


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observed most of the farmers had large land holdings, although they could

not quantify their land holdings. This could be attributed to the fact that in

Arunachal Pradesh, land ownership records (maintained by Revenue

Department in other states), is not maintained. Farmers have traditional

rights over land being cultivated or used by them. It was observed that

farmers had made boundary walls made of bamboo and other wood materials

to segregate their land from the adjoining land. It was also observed that

wherever irrigation was possible, the fields were irrigated by lifting water

from river Siang. In irrigated lands, mainly paddy was grown. In lands at

slightly higher elevation, where water could not be lifted for irrigation,

farmers practiced jhum cultivation within their designated plots of lands.

Based on our site visit, population residing within 5 km width only is

dependent on river Siang.

It was learnt from the locals as well as the Agricultural department that there

are approximately about 1000 ha of land is under permanent cultivation in

the down stream areas. It was also learnt from the locals as well as

Agriculture Department that mixed cultivation is in vogue. The commonly

cultivated crops in the area include mustard, maize, vegetables including

potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, egg-plant, etc. Besides, agriculture

farmers also rear cattle (cows and buffaloes).

Livestock

It was learnt during public consultations and discussions with the Animal

Husbandry and Livestock Department that a large number of farmers

cultivate and rear cattle. It was communicated by the officials of the Animal

Husbandry and Livestock that there are about 16,500 – 17,000 cattle heads

in the Pasighat area and about 18,000 – 18,500 cattle-heads in the Mebo

area, including within the islands in the demarcated study area. It was also

learnt Arunachalis are mostly owners of land as well as cattle. However, they

engage shepherds, who are mostly from Bihar and Assam, to tend to their

cattle. It was learnt that many of the farmers during the lean season make


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their cattle cross the river to the many islands within the river. This trend

depends on the number of cattle a farmer has. In case a farmer has large

herds of cattle, he would either take all or a proportion of his cattle to these

islands. However, in case farmer has limited numbers of cattle heads, and is

able to feed/graze them within the village, he prefers to keep his cattle in the

village. In these islands, the cattle are left to graze on the pasture and grass

lands, which grow naturally. In exchange for tending and taking care of their

cattle, the locals let the shepherds to extract milk and selling it in the

market. The shepherds are paid salaries and are given complete rights over

the produce. It was learnt that the cattle give around 2-3 liters of milk per

day, and that these shepherds make around Rs. 30 per liter by selling the

milk. It was also learnt that shepherds make anywhere around Rs. 1000 to

3000 per day by sale of milk. The milk is transported to the main land, by

boats on a daily basis, mostly onto the right bank, which is more accessible

to roads and markets. From here the milk is either sold directly to agents or

clients in Passighat. Sometimes, milk is transported by the shepherds and

directly sold to various customers. It was learnt during the public

consultations that grass and other vegetation for meeting food/fodder

requirements is available to sustain the cattle for most part of the year. It

was also gathered during consultations, that the commonly occurring

diseases among the cattle is foot and mouth disease and BQ.

Fisheries

It was also learnt from the locals as well as the officials of the Fisheries

Department, that people undertake fishing activities in the river, both up-

stream as well as in the down stream villages. The fishing rights are given to

the locals by the ‘Anchal Samitis’. Fisheries department however does not

have any right over fisheries. Usually during the months of April to October,

fishing activities are undertaken by the locals, when fish is abundantly

available in the river. It was also communicated that breeding season is

usually between May to July. It was also communicated that blasting in the


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rivers are not permitted and people also do not resort to this method of

fishing. Net and angling are the most commonly practiced methods for

fishing.

Erosion of banks

As most of the farmers practice sedentary cultivation, whether WRC or jhum.

However, many farmers communicated that River Siang changes its course

quite frequently. This most often happens depends on the discharge being

carried in the river. As a result, river erodes the banks, and takes away

agricultural fields, pasture lands and grazing grounds along with it. This is

one area, which is beyond the control of the locals, which they stated. They

suggested that if bank protection activities could be undertaken, it would

protect their lands.

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