The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board has advanced the environmental public hearing for the 1,650 MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project to October 28, two days earlier than the previously scheduled date of October 30.

Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo, in a circular issued on Friday, stated that the hearing will now be held at Menga Government Secondary School. He urged residents likely to be affected by the project, especially from Siyum, Taliha, Payeng, Jaring, Daporijo, Gusar, and Dumporijo circles, to participate in the proceedings.

The Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 1,650 MW over the Subansiri River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, is being jointly implemented by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd and the Arunachal Pradesh government.

Previously known as the Oju-I and Oju-II projects, the initiative has faced opposition from local residents and student groups, who staged demonstrations in Daporijo and outside the deputy commissioner’s office earlier this month, demanding the project’s cancellation.