Siang Dam Project: A new round of protests has erupted in Arunachal Pradesh over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project as indigenous groups are protesting the construction of the dam due to fears of displacement, ecological damage and losing access to their ancestral lands. There are also concerns that this could affect India’s water security due to China planning some mega dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
Protests have increased surrounding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). A section of the indigenous Adi population have protested against the 11,200 Megawatt (MW) mega-dam on the Siang river. They are protesting due to fears that they will lose their ancestral villages, lose agricultural land and change their traditional way of life.
Protests have increased since October with clashes occurring between protestors and security forces with arrests made and extra Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed.
Siang Dam Protest: Latest Updates
On October 23, protests turned into a 12-hour strike against the proposed dam in parts of Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts.
Tensions rose as police fired teargas around Ditte Dime in the Geku area of Upper Siang. This led to several women complaining of breathing issues. Police said protestors threw stones.
The protest then moved to Pasighat in East Siang. An NHPC office, Police Station and properties of political representatives were damaged.
As of October 27, Police have confirmed that 69 people have been arrested and 4 detained. Police have also filed numerous cases concerning this.
Security has increased with 30 Companies of CAPF, Arunachal Pradesh Police and additional Assam Police. On October 29, the protest made its way to the capital of the state, Itanagar. Over 1,000 people gathered in Indira Gandhi Park to protest against the dam and call for the release of detainees.
On October 30, police applied for search warrants for 4 people including a prominent journalist Tongam Rina and advocate Sunny Tayeng.
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Why Are Tribal Communities Protesting Against the Siang Mega Dam?
For the people living in the Siang Valley this protest goes far beyond building another hydro project. It is about their land, identity, livelihood and culture.
The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) has stated that 27 villages could be wholly flooded with 40-50 villages possibly affected.
The Adi community heavily relies on farming, forests and river resources. People are worried that the reservoir could cause them to lose valuable farmland, homes, forests and places of cultural significance.
What is the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project?
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is a 11,200 MW hydro project and water storage facility on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.
The project is under development by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and would be one of the largest hydro projects in India.
The project is planned to be built in Siang and Upper Siang districts with 3 possible locations, Parong, Dite Dime and Ugeng/Komkar.
Currently the work being carried out is creating a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR). This includes geological surveys, drilling and studies to determine if the dam can be built.
Why is India Planning A Mega Dam On The Siang River?
China have plans to build a mega-hydro project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. One of the largest reasons why this project is strategically important.
The Yarlung Tsangpo River flows into India through Arunachal Pradesh meaning it changes name to the Siang. It then combines with other rivers such as Dibang and Lohit.
In December 2024 China announced they will develop a mega-hydro project on the lower part of the Yarlung Tsangpo.
The plans are reportedly to create a 60,000 MW hydro project. This has caused concern in India over the downstream water security.
India believe that the Siang project is a strategic move. Having a large reservoir could help control the flow of water, moderate flooding and provide a level of protection against sudden changes in upstream water.
Environmental experts are questioning if building another mega-dam is the best way of managing the risks with China’s project. They have also called for more transparency in how China operate their dam and better collaboration on the water.
