Strategic imperative: Siang Upper Multipurpose Project gaining momentum

Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district is set to host one of India’s most transformative infrastructure ventures, a project designed to harness the Siang river’s vast hydropower potential while reinforcing India’s strategic and economic future.

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), spearheaded by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), with a projected capacity of around 11,000 MW, could become the largest hydropower project in the country. Beyond producing clean, renewable electricity for millions of households, it promises better flood management in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh, along with bolstering India’s water security against China’s upstream projects on the Brahmaputra.

Union Minister KirenRijiju has described the dam as “a matter of national interest,” citing its multiple benefits, from job creation and infrastructure growth to safeguarding livelihoods downstream. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, has emphasized the Northeast’s untapped hydropower reserves as a critical driver of inclusive growth and self-reliance.

Shift on the ground

While the project initially sparked resistance, signs of change are visible. In Riew village, 98 households, that’s nearly two-thirds of the population, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the pre-feasibility survey. Similar agreements in Riga and Pangkang (Kumku) villages suggest growing recognition of the project’s long-term benefits.

Local officials say these developments mark an important step in building trust and ensuring that the project is implemented in partnership with the people it seeks to serve. The NHPC has pledged to prioritize transparency, rehabilitation, and fair compensation for those affected.

Voices of concern

Still, sections of the Adi tribe continue to express apprehension over displacement and the impact on ancestral lands. Protests in Komkar, Geku, Dite Dime, and Parong over the past year reflected this unease, with villagers demanding greater consultation before surveys were carried out.

Civil society groups like the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) allege that some MoUs were signed without free and informed consent, while the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought clarifications on reports of coercion. Officials, however, stress that oversight by institutions such as the NHRC will only strengthen the process and reassure communities that their rights are safeguarded.

National need/local fears

Experts underline that India cannot afford to delay strategic projects of this scale. “The Siang dam is vital.It balances China’s upstream activities and secures India’s water flow control,” noted one commentator in an online discussion.

Others dismiss alarmist scenarios: “The idea that China can cut off the Brahmaputra is exaggerated.Most water originates in Arunachal itself.”

Beyond geopolitics, the project has the potential to dramatically alter the economic landscape of the Northeast. Thousands of jobs are expected during construction, alongside improved roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. Hydropower revenues could make Arunachal Pradesh one of the most prosperous states in India.

The path forward

For the project to succeed, experts argue that three elements are crucial:

Transparent engagement: Genuine consultations to address local concerns and preserve cultural heritage.

Fair rehabilitation: Comprehensive compensation and resettlement plans that prioritize dignity and opportunity.

Environmental safeguards: Strong ecological protections to maintain the Siang’s biodiversity.

National vision

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is more than just a dam. It is a symbol of India’s resolve to turn natural resources into prosperity, self-reliance, and security. While challenges remain, the project represents a decisive step toward a cleaner energy future, greater regional development, and a stronger strategic posture.

As one village elder in Riew put it after signing the MoU: “We want our children to see progress. If this project brings light, jobs, and roads, we must be part of it.”

With India balancing local aspirations and national priorities, the Siang project may well become a model for how development and dialogue can go hand in hand.