SIANG UPPER MULTIPURPOSE PROJECT: GEOGRAPHY
NEWS: Under shadow of China’s plan to build world’s largest dam, India
pushes for a counter project in Arunachal Pradesh — but not without resistance
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in
Arunachal Pradesh aims to counter China's dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River but
faces strong opposition from local Adi tribes due to fears of displacement and
environmental impact. Despite promises of compensation, the project has sparked
widespread protests and concerns over the loss of agricultural land and
cultural heritage.
Proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project
(SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh
Introduction to the Proposed Project
- Siang
Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is a large hydropower initiative in Arunachal Pradesh, aimed to
be India’s largest, with a proposed capacity of 11,000 MW.
- The
project is planned across three villages along the Siang River: Parong,
Dite Dime, and Ugeng, located in Upper Siang and Siang districts.
Concerns of Local Communities
- Opposition
from Indigenous Communities: Primarily, the Adi tribe from the region opposes the project
due to the potential loss of agricultural land, homes, and livelihoods.
- Dependency
on Agriculture: The
Siang River's banks are crucial for farming, with crops like paddy,
millets, vegetables, and oranges grown in the fertile plains. Local
communities rely heavily on agriculture for sustenance and education.
- Fear
of Displacement:
About 13 villages are at risk of submergence, which would destroy
farmlands and displace the local population.
Government's Rationale for the Project
- Countering
China's Dam Efforts:
The Indian government argues that the SUMP is essential for mitigating the
potential impacts of China's dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Siang) in Tibet.
China’s planned dam is expected to divert water, posing risks of sudden
water releases that could damage downstream areas.
- National
Importance:
Government officials highlight the project's strategic importance for the
country’s energy security and flood control.
Growing Protests and Resistance
- Rising
Opposition: The
Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) is spearheading protests against
the dam, organizing regular demonstrations, meetings, and mobilization
drives in affected villages.
- Deployment
of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF): In response to growing resistance, the state government has
requisitioned CAPF to control potential unrest, intensifying local fears
of forced displacement.
- Historical
Precedent:
There is historical fear among locals due to past incidents, such as the
2016 police shooting of anti-dam activists in Tawang.
Government Efforts to Address Concerns
- Dialogue
and Compensation: The
state government, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, is attempting to
engage with locals, ensuring that compensation and rehabilitation packages
are designed.
- Compensation
and Rehabilitation:
The government promises substantial compensation for affected villagers,
including relocation and the provision of schools and medical facilities,
but many locals remain skeptical, demanding concrete actions.
Environmental and Societal Concerns
- Environmental
Impact:
Despite the government's assurances, the massive scale of the dam raises
concerns about its ecological consequences, especially since such large
projects are unprecedented in India.
- Cultural
Significance: The
Siang River holds deep cultural and spiritual value for the Adi people,
who regard it as a life source and refer to it as "Aane Siang"
(Mother Siang).
Next Steps and Feasibility Surveys
- Pre-Feasibility
Report (PFR): The
project is still in the early stages, with the state aiming to conduct
surveys to assess feasibility, environmental impacts, and compensation
details.
- Public
Hearings and Investigations: As per the government, public hearings and detailed
environmental studies will follow the initial surveys, ensuring that no
funds are allocated without local approval.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/siang-upper-multipurpose-project-not-without-resistance-arunachal-people-farms-surveys-9748204/