Opposition is increasing over the proposed Siang hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh. Human rights organization HRA has demanded an independent investigation from Home Minister Amit Shah. The organization has raised questions on the consent, rehabilitation and compensation of the local people.
Itanagar: The controversy over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh is deepening. Human rights organization Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) has demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene in the matter. In its memorandum sent on Tuesday, the organization raised the demand for an independent review of the project and an investigation into the functioning of the High Power Committee formed for it. HRA says that the affected people of Siang and Upper Siang districts should get complete information related to the project and adequate opportunity to express their views.
Demand from Amit Shah to investigate the High Power Committee
In its memorandum, HRA has raised questions on the High Power Committee headed by Minister of State Ozing Tsing. The organization alleges that the complaints and apprehensions of the local people were not resolved satisfactorily. Tsingh is the minister associated with the departments of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Transport and Cooperation. He has been made the chairman of the high-level committee monitoring the preliminary survey of the Siang project.
The organization wants the Central Government to conduct an impartial review of the committee's work so far. If the investigation finds evidence of serious negligence, giving misleading information or failure to discharge responsibility, the chairman of the committee should be removed from the post. HRA has also demanded that the matter related to the accountability of the minister be sent to the competent authorities as per law. At present these are the demands of the organization; Irregularities have not been proven against the committee or its chairman.
Emphasis on consent of local people
The organization says that the livelihood, farming, culture and traditions of the tribal communities living on the banks of the Siang River are linked to this river. Therefore, the project should not be decided only on the basis of power generation. According to HRA, merely conducting surveys or holding meetings of officials in affected villages does not fulfill the legal requirement of public participation.
The organization has demanded that clear information be given to the local people about the project. Their complaints should be heard and where consent is required under the law, prescribed procedure should be followed. In the past, local organizations have raised concerns about displacement, environment and livelihood in opposition to the project.
Demand for jobs and rehabilitation for affected families
HRA has stressed on making a transparent rehabilitation policy for the families affected by the project. The organization has demanded reservation for local people in Group B, C and D jobs in hydropower projects. Apart from this, a proposal has also been made to provide employment to one eligible member of each land affected family.
A demand has been made to ensure skill development and apprenticeship arrangements for the youth. The organization wants that the compensation amount, rehabilitation plan and benefits given to the affected families should be made public, so that people can be aware of their rights.
There should be an independent environmental review of the project.
HRA has asked the Center to conduct an independent investigation into the environmental and social impacts of the proposed dam. The organization has sought a detailed assessment of preparedness for natural disasters, potential displacement and impact on communities living along the river.
Along with this, an appeal has also been made to consider alternative models of the project. The organization wants experts' reports and assessments related to the project to be made public. A demand has also been made to create an independent monitoring system to resolve complaints.
Suggestion of round table meeting with villages and experts
HRA has sought direction to the state government to hold a joint meeting of representatives of the affected villages, elected public representatives, social organizations and independent experts. The organization says that in such conversations people should get an opportunity to ask questions openly and put forward their objections. According to him, this can help in understanding the differences related to the project and finding a way forward.
Why did the government call the project important?
The Arunachal Pradesh government had formed a high-level committee to monitor the preliminary feasibility survey of the project in September 2026. The government says the proposed project can increase power generation, water security, flood control and local employment opportunities.
Committee chairman Ozing Tasing had said in the September 26 meeting that the purpose of the initial survey is to check the feasibility of the project. Mere survey does not mean final approval for construction. He had asked the officials to continuously communicate with the local people and register their complaints.
Why are there protests against Siang Dam?
Local communities have been expressing concern for a long time about this big hydroelectric project proposed on the Siang River. They fear that the construction of the dam will affect villages, agricultural land and traditional livelihoods. On the other hand, the government considers it important from the point of view of energy and water security. The strategic importance of the Siang project has also increased due to the huge dam proposed by China in the upper part of the river.
HRA has clarified at the end of its memorandum that meaningful participation and necessary consent of the affected people should not be ignored in development plans. Official information about what action the Central Government has decided to take on the new demands of the organization is not available at present.