On the Ground: Siang Dam backed by some, others demand dialogue

𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝: 𝐒𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐦 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh, expected to generate ₹12,000 crore annually—of which ₹8,000 crore would accrue to the state—has triggered growing resistance from local communities amid concerns over displacement, land loss, and lack of consultation. The project is seen by the government as a strategic asset for national security, power generation, economic development, and water regulation in the Siang basin. However, on the ground, a starkly different narrative is unfolding. Landowners and village elders in affected areas have voiced strong objections, citing fears of losing ancestral agricultural land, disruption to cultural life, and a perceived communication gap with the administration. Some locals said they may have considered the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) if approached with transparency and respect. Others outright rejected any dam construction on the Siang River. Controversy erupted after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with residents of Pangkang (Kumku) village. According to a source, an internal opinion poll showed that 45 out of 54 households in the village were in favour of the survey, a figure the government cited to justify advancing the MoU and PFR. However, this has been disputed by other villages, which allege the agreement was made "behind closed doors" and lacked public consultation. Local forums have accused the government of bypassing traditional institutions and failing to engage in genuine dialogue. The administration maintains that proper procedures were followed prior to deploying survey equipment in the area. In light of mounting tension, officials have announced a temporary halt to survey activities until a dialogue is held between Minister Ojing Tasing and members of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum on May 27. #arunachalpradesh #siang #dam #northeastindia