The Siang project has come under renewed scrutiny after Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) expressed solidarity with communities protesting the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Siang and Upper Siang districts. The rights body urged the Centre and Arunachal Pradesh government to pause pre-feasibility survey and drilling activities where community opposition remains unresolved.
The demand comes after protests at Uggeng and nearby areas over activities linked to the proposed project. HRA said affected communities have raised concerns about land, culture, the environment, safety and the possible social consequences of the proposed development.
Siang project faces renewed local opposition
Recent protests have focused on proposed pre-feasibility report (PFR) activities at Uggeng, one of the sites associated with the Siang project. On September 14, villagers from Komkar and surrounding areas staged protests at two locations across Upper Siang and Siang districts.
According to local reports, villagers opposed proposed drilling work at the site. The demonstrations underline continuing disagreement over how project-related surveys should proceed in areas where some residents remain opposed to the proposal.
HRA said the protests show that significant sections of affected communities remain concerned about the project’s potential ecological and social effects. It called for dialogue before further activities move ahead.
Rights body seeks review and wider assessments
HRA said development should respect people’s rights, dignity, land, culture, environment and security. The organisation stated that major projects affecting indigenous communities should not proceed without transparent information, meaningful consultation and proper assessment of their consequences.
The rights body called for independent and comprehensive assessments covering environmental, geological, seismic, social and disaster risks. It also sought greater transparency regarding the proposed project, related studies and agreements.
Moreover, HRA asked authorities to address rehabilitation, resettlement and livelihood concerns before taking major project decisions. Its position reflects the wider demand from opponents for greater public participation in decisions concerning the Siang project.
Why the Siang project remains contentious
The proposed SUMP is generally described as an 11,000-megawatt multipurpose project. A preliminary NHPC report submitted to the Central Electricity Authority in 2022 envisaged an 11,000-MW project with a reservoir capacity of about 9 billion cubic metres.
The proposal has attracted opposition from sections of communities in the Siang region. Residents and local organisations have raised concerns about possible impacts on ancestral land, agriculture, livelihoods and cultural heritage.
At the same time, the project has government-backed strategic and development objectives. The proposed project has been discussed in the context of hydropower generation, water management and developments upstream of the Siang River. Therefore, the debate involves both local concerns and wider infrastructure considerations.
Government signals dialogue over Siang project
The latest HRA statement comes as the state government has also stressed dialogue. Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the government would not use force to implement the proposed Siang project and invited organisations and residents with concerns to discuss the pre-feasibility report with the administration.
Khandu’s comments followed the recent protests and reports of security personnel at survey and drilling locations. The government position, as reported, is that discussions should address public concerns before the project moves forward.
The development creates a potential opening for direct engagement between officials and affected communities. However, the HRA has argued that dialogue should be accompanied by independent assessments and transparent information.
Dialogue emerges as the immediate focus
HRA also appealed to organisations representing the Siang belt to maintain peaceful and democratic engagement. It urged elected representatives from Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang to communicate residents’ concerns to the state and central governments.
The rights body further called on Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also handles the hydropower portfolio, to intervene and facilitate comprehensive discussions with affected communities.
For now, the Siang project remains at the pre-construction assessment stage, while disagreements over surveys and drilling continue. The latest developments point to consultation, environmental and social assessments, and the protection of community rights as central issues in determining how the proposal progresses.
As protests continue, the response of the state and central governments to these concerns is likely to shape the next phase of discussions around the project.
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