Intensified Protests Erupt in Arunachal Pradesh Against Siang Multipurpose Dam Project

In a significant escalation of tensions, residents of the Siang basin in Arunachal Pradesh have ramped up their protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, leading to clashes with security forces and acts of vandalism on Wednesday. These protests coincided with Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s visit to Yingkiong in Upper Siang district, where demonstrators took to the streets to voice their opposition to the dam construction.

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, touted as India’s largest dam with a capacity of 11,000 MW, has been a contentious issue for years among local communities, particularly the Adi tribe, whose livelihoods and cultural heritage are intertwined with the Siang River. They argue that the project poses a dire threat to their ancestral lands and traditional way of life. Tensions flared recently after the government deployed Central Armed Police Forces to conduct a pre-feasibility survey, which locals viewed as an encroachment on their rights.

Earlier this week, protests erupted in Geku, where demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. The escalation of protests reached a new level on Wednesday when demonstrators reportedly vandalized the home of MLA Alo Libang, representing the Tuting-Yingkiong constituency. Eyewitness accounts suggest that several government vehicles were also damaged amidst the unrest. As the situation intensified, major disruptions occurred along key transport routes, particularly the Yingkiong-Komkar-Geku stretch, affecting movement in the region.

The Siang River, originating in Tibet, is a crucial tributary of the Brahmaputra and holds significant ecological and cultural value for the local population. The proposed dam has been met with apprehension by many, who fear that it could displace communities and alter the river’s natural flow, with broader implications for the region’s biodiversity. The fears of local residents underscore the complex interplay between development and environmental conservation in the area.

The ongoing protests highlight a growing sentiment among the indigenous population regarding their rights and the need for inclusive dialogues with the government. With each passing day, the calls for greater accountability and transparency in decision-making processes regarding such large-scale projects are becoming louder. As tensions continue, the state government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of the Siang basin residents while balancing developmental aspirations and ecological sustainability.

Source: scroll.in