Arunachal Pradesh Protests NHPC’s Proposed 12500-MW Siang River Dam

Arunachal Pradesh Protests NHPC’s Proposed 12500-MW Siang River Dam

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian geography

Why in News

Recent protests have erupted in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district against the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s (NHPC) proposed mega dam project on the Siang River. Local communities, particularly the Adi tribe, are strongly opposing the survey and pre-feasibility report (PFR) for the 12,500-MW hydropower project.

The Main Issue: Hydropower Projects on the Siang River

Community Concerns: The Adi community fears that large dams on the Siang will submerge agricultural land, displace villages, and threaten the ecosystem.

The Cultural Significance of the Siang River: The Adi community reveres the Siang River, referring to it as “Aane” (mother), and believes it has healing and spiritual properties. The community has historically resisted attempts to alter the river, seeing it as an infringement on their cultural and spiritual heritage.

Adi Community:

Location & Distribution: Predominantly found in the central regions of Arunachal Pradesh.

Concentrated in districts such as East Siang, West Siang, and Upper Siang.

Cultural Significance: Known for their rich oral traditions, festivals, and agriculture-based lifestyle.

Key festival: Solung, a harvest festival celebrating the agricultural cycle.

Minyong Subgroup: One of the major subgroups of the Adi community. Primarily reside in the Siang and East Siang districts.

Renowned for their distinctive dialect, customs, and traditional dances like the Ponung.

Siang River: Begins as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, near Mount Kailash.

Transitions into the Siang River upon entering Arunachal Pradesh.

Course and Tributaries: Flows for approximately 230 km through Arunachal Pradesh.

Tributaries include:

Simang River: Flows through West Siang district; known for its rugged terrain.

Siyom River: Joins the Siang in Upper Siang district, contributing to its volume.

Sibo Korong: A smaller but significant tributary known for causing seasonal disruptions during the monsoon.

Cultural Importance: Revered by the Adi community as Aane (Mother). Believed to possess healing properties and spiritual significance.

Environmental Concerns: The river is central to the ecosystem, supporting diverse flora and fauna.

Concerns about large-scale hydropower projects potentially disrupting the river’s flow and local biodiversity.

Dite Dime: Dite Dime is located in the Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, part of the Eastern Himalayas.

Significance: This site has been a focal point for protests against the NHPC’s 12,500-MW hydropower project. The local Adi community fears significant environmental and social impacts, including displacement and loss of traditional livelihoods.

Parong: Parong is another proposed site for the mega dam project within the Siang district.

Community Involvement: Villagers from Parong, led by elders like Dubit Siram, have actively opposed the project. On June 22 and June 24, 2024, community meetings were held to unanimously reject the survey and pre-feasibility report (PFR) for the project.

Ugeng: Ugeng is the third proposed site in the Siang district for the hydropower project.

Strategic Importance: Like Dite Dime and Parong, Ugeng has been identified for its strategic location along the Siang River, which has significant hydropower potential.

National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC):

Founded: 1975

Objective: NHPC was established with the primary goal of developing hydropower projects in India to meet the nation’s growing energy needs.

Ownership: NHPC is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

Status: It holds the status of a “Mini Ratna Category-I” enterprise, which recognizes its financial autonomy and operational efficiency.

Upper Siang Hydropower Project:

River: Siang River, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Districts Involved: The project spans areas in the Upper Siang and Siang districts.

Proposed Capacity: 12,500 MW, making it one of the largest hydropower projects in India.

Project Type: Run-of-the-river scheme with a large storage component.

Project Sites: Three main sites proposed for dam construction: Dite Dime, Parong, and Uggeng.

Implementing Agency: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

Status: As of 2024, the project is in the survey and pre-feasibility report (PFR) stage, with ongoing opposition from local communities.