Siang Dam: What's behind Arunachal Pradesh's protest against 11,200 MW hydropower project? Everything you need to know

At least 40 security personnel were injured in clashes with protesters against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday evening, officials said. According to the police, the protesters also set fire to the police station, NHPC office and nine police vehicles.

There are also reports that protesters damaged and ransacked the residence of National People’s Party (NPP) MLA Oni Panyang, BJP’s Ninong Ering and Kaling Moyong, BJP state president.

What Chief Minister Pema Khandu said

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday expressed concern over incidents of vandalism, looting and damage to property in Pasighat following a 12-hour bandh called on October 23 in Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts by organizations opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

The chief minister said he had invited the Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) youth wing and the Youth Association to discuss the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), amid ongoing protests against the project.

Khandu said he is devoting the entire month to the Siang region and will continue to visit the area until the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process is completed.

Protest against Siang Dam

Tensions have been simmering in the Siang Valley, where sections of the Adi community have opposed a preliminary feasibility report for a proposed hydropower project, fearing the potential impact on their traditional way of life amid fears of displacement, environmental damage and risks associated with the construction of the mega-project in a seismically active area.

The local tribes of the Siang region have requested an immediate halt to the ongoing activities of the pre-feasibility report (PFR) and survey work for the project proposed on the Siang River.

However, the government maintains that the project would boost economic and social growth, create job opportunities for the youth, and enhance water and energy security for the state and the nation, especially given concerns about China’s proposed mega-dam upstream.

He also argued that the ongoing pre-feasibility review is intended to assess the viability of the project and does not constitute final construction approval. It said public consultation and assessment would be necessary before a final decision was made.

The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and its youth wing are among prominent groups opposing the project-related survey, insisting that the concerns of affected families must be addressed before the process moves forward.

While peaceful protests have been going on for some time, Adi Bane Kebang United, SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, Siang Ingenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing and Adi Galo Welfare Society called for a violent turn during a 12-hour bandh across Upper Siang, East Siang and Siang districts on Friday.