In the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, away from the BJP-versus-Congress tussles dominating national headlines, local indigenous communities in the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts are raising their voices against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Dam Project. This hydropower dam, planned on the Siang River, would eventually contribute to the Brahmaputra in Assam through tributaries.
The proposed dam — a national multipurpose project envisioned by the Government of India and Niti Aayog — is likely to affect the three districts of the state. As a result, the locals of these districts are holding peaceful protests against it. Though according to some media reports, the capacity of the proposed dam is said to be 12 Gigawatt, Chief Minister Pema Khandu clarified that the power capacity of the dam is still undetermined.
Why Locals Are Protesting Siang Upper Multipurpose Dam Project
The residents of the Siang Valley oppose the project due to concerns over displacement and the environmental consequences of such a massive undertaking. A critical issue raised by the locals is the geological composition of the Siang region, which consists of loose sedimentary rocks and is located in Seismic Zone V, making it unsuitable for dam construction. This concern holds significant validity.
In 2022, the Gauhati High Court cancelled the construction of 44 proposed dams in the Siang Valley, citing allegations that these projects had been planned without proper scientific research. However, the court noted that any decision to proceed with dam construction must comply with legal standards and prioritise the safety, security, and welfare of affected populations.
As dissent grew in the Siang Valley over the proposed NHPC project, the BJP-led state government under Pema Khandu made a contentious decision on December 9 to deploy Central Armed Police Forces and state police to suppress protests against the project's pre-feasibility study. This move angered locals, escalating their dissatisfaction into widespread protests.
This reaction from the state government appeared to convey an intent to proceed with the project despite local objections, further intensifying the demonstrations. It was only after these protests gained momentum that Chief Minister Khandu assured the public that the dam would not be built without local consent. He made this statement on December 19 during a visit to Boreng village, a protest hotspot, where he attended a victory celebration for Ojing Tasing, the state's Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister.
Although this assurance from the Chief Minister is a positive development, it came late and seemed aimed at quelling the protests rather than addressing their root causes. The government’s initial approach of deploying armed forces had already deepened mistrust among the locals.
Balancing Development And Local Sentiments
Chief Minister Khandu stressed the national importance of the proposed project, citing China’s approval of a 60,000 MW power project on the Siang River upstream before it enters India. He argued that the dam is necessary to maintain the river’s natural flow throughout the year and to manage floods resulting from water releases by China.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted the project’s potential to secure the youth’s future and bring prosperity to the state, noting its capacity to address water storage, irrigation, power generation, and flood control. However, while acknowledging these benefits, the state government must also consider the concerns of local communities.
In the underdeveloped northeastern region, where employment opportunities are limited, land holds immense significance for indigenous communities. Displacement and loss of livelihoods are pressing fears for the people of the Siang Valley, making their opposition understandable. Although State Minister Ojing Tasing claimed that 60% of affected individuals support the project, this assertion is contradicted by the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF). Bhanu Tatak, SIFF’s legal advisor, stated that locals have opposed dams on the Siang River for over four decades.
Chief Minister Khandu’s remarks suggesting a conspiracy to stall the project reflect a reluctance to fully acknowledge genuine local dissent. To move forward, the state government must engage earnestly with all stakeholders, address their concerns, and ensure development occurs in a manner that respects the safety, security, and livelihoods of the indigenous communities. Only by taking locals into confidence can the government achieve sustainable progress that balances national interests with regional well-being.
The author is a political commentator.
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