The Siang River Dams: A Conflict Between Development and Indigenous Rights

The Siang River Dams: A Conflict Between Development and Indigenous Rights

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian Physical geo

Why is This in News?

• Controversy Over Dam Projects: The Adi community in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Minyong subgroup, has been protesting against proposed large dam projects on the Siang River, fearing they will disrupt their way of life and violate the river they consider sacred.
• Government Push for Hydropower: The Central and State governments have been pushing for hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh to meet national energy goals and combat climate change, leading to tensions with the indigenous population.

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 Siang River, considered sacred by the Adis, plays a central role in their cultural identity and daily life.
• Government Initiatives:
  • In the last 15 years, numerous hydropower projects have been proposed on the Siang River and its tributaries.
  • The government is keen on these projects to harness Arunachal Pradesh’s hydropower potential, contributing to India’s energy needs and climate commitments.
• Activism and Resistance:
  • Activists from the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) and other groups have been vocal against these projects.
  • Protests have been met with detentions and suppression, reflecting the tensions between development goals and indigenous rights.

Key Developments in the Hydropower Push

• Policy Shifts:
  • Initial enthusiasm for large-scale dams under former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu’s Hydro Power Policy, which led to the signing of 233 MoUs for hydropower projects.
  • A shift in the government’s approach, with more emphasis on public sector projects after private players withdrew due to economic unviability.
• Recent Moves:
  • In August 2023, 12 hydropower projects were transferred to Central PSUs, including NHPC and NEEPCO, reigniting concerns among the local communities.
  • The Siang Upper project was upscaled to almost 12,000 MW, intensifying fears of large-scale displacement and environmental damage.

The Cultural Significance of the Siang River

• Adi Community:
  • 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.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Concerns about the ecological fragility of the eastern Himalayas, where the Siang River flows, a region prone to earthquakes and landslides.
  • The potential impact on wildlife sanctuaries and national parks downstream in Assam.

Anticipating a Chinese Water Threat

• Strategic Concerns:
  • China’s plans to build a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which becomes the Siang in India, have raised alarms in India.
  • The fear of a “water bomb” from China, which could cause artificial floods in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, has been used to justify the construction of large dams on the Indian side.

Opposition and Government Responses

• Political Dynamics:
  • The BJP’s stance has evolved from opposing mega dams to supporting them, citing national interest and strategic concerns.
  • Local leaders, some of whom were once anti-dam activists, are now advocating for “sustainable dams,” leading to accusations of betrayal by the community.
• Legislative and Legal Challenges:
  • The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of 2023, which allows the government to bypass certain clearances for projects near international borders, has further complicated the situation.

Geographic and Cultural Overview: Detailed Insights

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:

• Geographical Origin:
  • 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.

Dibang River:

• Geographical Origin:
  • Rises in the Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Course:
  • Travels through the Dibang Valley district before joining the Brahmaputra.
• Significant Features:
  • Notable for its deep gorges and steep terrain, making it a site of interest for hydroelectric projects.
  • Merges with the Lohit River before entering the Brahmaputra.
• Environmental and Cultural Impact:
  • The river basin is home to diverse ecosystems, including several endangered species.
  • Indigenous communities, including the Idu Mishmi tribe, depend on it for their livelihood.

Subansiri River:

• Geographical Origin:
  • Originates in Tibet, where it is known as the Chayul Chu.
• Course:
  • Flows southward into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
  • The largest tributary of the Brahmaputra, contributing significantly to its water volume.
• Tributaries:
  • Important tributaries include the Kamla River and Par River.
• Hydropower Potential:
  • The site of the controversial Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (2,000 MW).
  • The project has faced opposition due to concerns over seismic activity and ecological impacts.

Brahmaputra River:

• Geographical Origin:
  • Begins in the Angsi Glacier in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo.
• Course:
  • Travels eastward across Tibet, takes a sharp turn (the Great Bend), and enters India as the Siang River.
  • Merges with the Dibang and Lohit rivers in Assam to form the Brahmaputra.
  • Continues its journey through Assam and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• Tributaries:
  • Major tributaries include:
    • Dibang River
    • Lohit River
    • Subansiri River
    • Teesta River (joins in Bangladesh)
• Strategic and Environmental Importance:
  • Vital for agriculture, fisheries, and transportation in northeastern India.
  • Prone to seasonal flooding, which affects millions of people in Assam and Bangladesh.
  • Home to unique ecosystems, including the Kaziranga National Park and the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

Additional Facts:

• Hydropower Projects:
  • Arunachal Pradesh has a hydropower potential of over 57,000 MW, making it a key state for India’s renewable energy plans.
• Seismic Activity:
  • The Eastern Himalayas, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, lie in a seismically active zone (Zone V), raising concerns over the construction of large dams.
• International Relations:
  • The Yarlung Tsangpo/Brahmaputra is a transboundary river, with India, China, and Bangladesh sharing its waters. This makes it a critical point in India-China water diplomacy and regional geopolitics.

India-China Water Diplomacy: A Brief Overview

India-China water diplomacy primarily revolves around the shared rivers that flow from Tibet into India, with the Yarlung Tsangpo (known as the Siang River in India) being a central focus. The dynamics of water sharing and management between these two nations are influenced by strategic, environmental, and geopolitical concerns.

Key Aspects:

• Strategic Importance of the Yarlung Tsangpo/Siang River:
  • The Yarlung Tsangpo originates in Tibet and flows into India as the Siang River, eventually becoming part of the Brahmaputra. China’s plans to build a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo near the Great Bend have raised concerns in India about potential water diversion and artificial floods.
  • India fears that Chinese control over the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo could lead to water scarcity during lean seasons and increased flood risks during the monsoon, affecting millions in downstream regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• Diplomatic Engagements:
  • India and China have engaged in dialogue and agreements to share hydrological data, especially during the monsoon season, to manage flood risks. However, the effectiveness of these engagements is often limited by a lack of transparency from China.
  • China’s approach to water management is often seen as unilateral, as seen in its dam-building activities on the Mekong River, which have raised similar concerns among Southeast Asian nations.
• Environmental and Security Concerns:
  • The construction of large dams on the Siang River by India is often justified by the need to secure first-user rights and create a buffer against potential Chinese water projects. This has led to the proposed mega projects on the Siang, which aim to manage the river’s flow and protect downstream regions from sudden water surges.
  • The environmental fragility of the eastern Himalayas, a region prone to earthquakes and landslides, adds another layer of complexity to the water diplomacy between India and China.
• Impact on Local Communities:
  • The indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh, such as the Adi, are directly affected by these diplomatic and strategic decisions. While the Indian government pushes for large dams in response to Chinese activities, local populations resist these projects due to fears of displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental degradation.