Arunachal Pradesh Environmental Activist Accused of Illegal Foreign Funding by CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated legal proceedings against Bhanu Tatak, a lawyer and prominent environmental advocate from Arunachal Pradesh. The allegations stem from her purported receipt of foreign funds in contravention of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Tatak, who serves as a legal advisor for the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum and coordinates the civil society group Dibang Resistance, has been vocal in her opposition to several large-scale hydroelectric projects in the region.

The CBI’s first information report claims that Tatak has accepted over Rs 17.6 lakh from various foreign entities, directly deposited into her personal savings account without the necessary registration required under the FCRA. The allegations specifically mention funds from organizations such as the Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy, based in the Philippines, as well as entities from Ireland and the United Kingdom.

This development comes at a time when local communities, supported by environmental activists like Tatak, are increasingly resisting massive infrastructure projects that they believe threaten their livelihoods and the ecological balance of their regions. The Siang Multipurpose Project, which aims to generate 12,500 megawatts of power, and a 2,880-megawatt project on the Dibang river have faced significant protests, with activists arguing that these projects could result in irreversible damage to the environment and displace local populations.

In addition to the foreign funding allegations, the CBI has stated that Tatak has not filed income tax returns, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the funds she received. This aspect of the investigation highlights broader concerns regarding transparency and accountability among civil society organizations in India, especially those receiving foreign donations.

As the situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the intersection of environmental activism and regulatory compliance in India. Activists argue that stringent regulations can often stifle dissenting voices and hinder the fight against potentially harmful projects, while authorities stress the importance of adhering to legal frameworks designed to prevent misuse of foreign funds. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for environmental movements and the operational landscape for NGOs in India.

Source: scroll.in