Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh: The Union Home Ministry has appointed 1995-batch IPS officer Rajesh Kumar as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Arunachal Pradesh amid growing protests by sections of the indigenous Adi community against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
The appointment comes at a sensitive time as opposition to the 11,200-megawatt hydropower project continues in parts of the state. Local communities fear that the project could submerge ancestral villages, displace families and damage forests and agricultural land.
Rajesh Kumar previously served as Special Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Meanwhile, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his premature repatriation to his parent AGMUT cadre with immediate effect.
According to the Union Home Ministry’s order, Kumar will replace 1995-batch IPS officer Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal, who has received a transfer to Delhi.
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Rajesh Kumar’s Appointment Comes Amid Siang Project Opposition
The leadership change comes amid continuing concerns among indigenous communities over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
The Centre plans to develop the 11,200 MW hydropower project on the Siang River, making it one of India’s largest proposed hydropower initiatives.
However, sections of the Adi community have strongly opposed the project. Residents of areas likely to face the impact fear that the proposed development could submerge their ancestral villages and force families to leave their homes.
Additionally, local communities worry about losing agricultural land, forests and natural resources that support their traditional livelihoods.
The project has also raised concerns about protecting indigenous culture and heritage. For many Adi families, ancestral land represents not only their source of income but also their history, identity and traditional way of life.
Why Is the Siang Hydropower Project Important for India?
The proposed Siang project carries strategic importance for India because of China’s massive hydropower development plans on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet.
The Yarlung Tsangpo flows from Tibet into India, where it enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River. Further downstream, the river joins other major waterways to form the Brahmaputra.
Consequently, developments along this river system have significant implications for India’s water security and strategic interests.
The Centre considers hydropower development in the Siang region important in the broader context of China’s upstream activities. Nevertheless, concerns raised by indigenous communities over displacement, environmental damage and traditional rights remain major issues.
Key Facts About the Arunachal Pradesh DGP Appointment
- New DGP: Rajesh Kumar
- IPS Batch: 1995
- State: Arunachal Pradesh
- Previous Position: Special Director General, CRPF
- Cadre: AGMUT
- Predecessor: Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal
- New Posting: Director General of Police, Arunachal Pradesh
- Proposed Project: Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP)
- Project Capacity: 11,200 MW
- River: Siang River
- Major Opposition: Sections of the indigenous Adi community
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the new DGP of Arunachal Pradesh?
The Union Home Ministry has appointed 1995-batch IPS officer Rajesh Kumar as the new Director General of Police.
2. Who did Rajesh Kumar replace?
He will succeed IPS officer Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal, who has been transferred to Delhi.
3. Why are people protesting against the Siang project?
Sections of the Adi community fear that the project could submerge ancestral villages, displace families, destroy agricultural land and forests, and disrupt their traditional way of life.
4. What is the proposed capacity of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project?
The proposed hydropower project has a planned capacity of 11,200 megawatts.
5. Why is the Siang River strategically important?
The Siang River flows into Arunachal Pradesh from Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo. Therefore, developments along the river have important implications for India’s water security and strategic interests.
Location Context: Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India
Arunachal Pradesh holds strategic importance because it shares an international border with China. Moreover, the Siang River supports communities, agriculture and ecosystems across the northeastern region. Therefore, the proposed hydropower project has become an important issue involving regional development, environmental protection, indigenous rights and national security.
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