Riew village in the Upper Siang district has extended full support for the proposed Siang Upper Stage-II hydroelectric project. This approval from a strategically located settlement has renewed momentum for India’s largest planned hydroelectric development in the Northeast.
The announcement came during a public consultation held in the village this week. Key stakeholders from the district administration, NHPC Limited, and state authorities were present to address the community’s concerns and explain the long-term benefits of the project.
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Public Consent Signals Shift
Riew’s backing stands out because many villages in Upper Siang have earlier shown hesitancy or opposition toward large-scale dam construction. Issues like land displacement, ecological impact, and cultural disruption have long dominated discussions. However, this week’s meeting saw the local leaders and residents align with the development plan after receiving assurances on compensation, livelihood rehabilitation, and ecological safeguards.
Local headman Tamang Yorsi, speaking on behalf of the community, said, “We have seen the blueprint and heard from the officials. If our land and lives are protected, and we get the promised opportunities, then we are ready to move forward.”
This endorsement represents a crucial breakthrough for the 11,000 MW Siang Upper project, which has been on the drawing board for over a decade due to environmental and social concerns.
Government and NHPC Reassure Residents
During the gathering, NHPC officials detailed the comprehensive resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) package being offered. This includes monetary compensation, job reservations for locals, and long-term livelihood training initiatives. The state government also pledged to enhance infrastructure in affected regions, including road connectivity, healthcare, and education facilities.
Deputy Commissioner of Upper Siang, Hage Loder, assured the villagers that their interests would not be overlooked. “This project will not proceed without the full involvement and consent of the local people. Transparency will be maintained throughout,” he said.
NHPC Executive Director Pankaj Sharma added that the project has been redesigned several times to minimize ecological impact. He stressed that NHPC would remain accountable to the public at all stages of construction and operation.
Key Project Details
The Siang Upper Stage-II hydroelectric project is part of a cascade development plan on the Siang River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra. It is expected to generate over 11,000 MW of power, which will be transmitted across the northeastern states and beyond. This would help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve grid stability across eastern India.
The project includes the construction of a 278-meter-high dam and associated infrastructure. Officials confirmed that only a limited number of villages would be affected directly, and most of the construction will occur in remote, uninhabited forested zones.
The project’s environmental clearance process had stalled previously due to opposition from indigenous groups and ecological activists. However, with communities like Riew coming on board, the process could accelerate significantly.
Balancing Development and Ecology
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has repeatedly stressed the importance of sustainable development. His government has insisted that every hydro project in the state must respect biodiversity, cultural heritage, and people’s rights.
In a recent statement, the CM said, “We need power to grow, but we must not compromise on nature. We will only approve projects that are environmentally sound and socially inclusive.”
To that end, independent environmental assessments are ongoing, and project developers are being asked to work closely with wildlife experts and traditional knowledge holders.
Boost for Arunachal’s Economy
Once completed, the Siang Upper Stage-II project could significantly enhance Arunachal’s economic capacity. It would generate employment for thousands of people during construction and offer long-term benefits through tourism, local businesses, and industrial growth.
The project is also expected to bring in substantial revenue through power sale agreements with other states. Experts believe that Arunachal could eventually become India’s largest supplier of clean energy.
With Riew’s support, the state government hopes to convince other undecided communities to engage in dialogue and consider the long-term benefits. Officials noted that more consultations are being scheduled across the district to build trust and awareness.
What Comes Next?
Now that Riew village has endorsed the project, NHPC will expedite the final social impact assessment and submit a revised plan to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for clearance. If approved, construction could begin as early as mid-2026.
Further village-level consultations are planned for the coming months, and state officials have said they will ensure that every voice is heard before any work begins. The state hopes to present the Siang Upper project as a model of inclusive hydropower development.
This latest development marks a shift in the narrative around big dams in Arunachal Pradesh. By ensuring dialogue and addressing people’s fears directly, the government appears to be building a consensus-driven model for tapping the state’s vast hydro potential.
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