Skip to content Skip to navigation

Arunachal Villagers Protest Security Build-Up for Mega Dam, Congress Warns Against 'Tit-for-Tat' Approach on Hydropower Policy

By AT News |

Protests are gaining momentum in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district as villagers voice strong opposition to the central government's proposed mega dam project on the Siang River, fearing displacement, ecological destruction, and increased seismic risk in the region. The protest, which began earlier this week in the Upper Siang area, intensified on Friday as security forces arrived to begin preparations for the infrastructure buildup.

The dam, which is part of India’s broader push to harness hydropower in the strategic and resource-rich border state, has stirred concerns among local communities and environmentalists alike. Arunachal Pradesh lies in Seismic Zone V—the highest risk category—and is home to rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.

Amidst growing local unrest, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) issued a sharply worded press release criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government's aggressive hydropower push in ecologically sensitive regions.

“While Arunachal Pradesh holds immense hydropower potential, large dams in this seismic zone pose unacceptable risks,” said Bosiram Siram, former state minister and APCC Working President. “We support development, but only through medium and small dams that do not endanger the environment or communities.”

Siram recalled the devastating flood of June 10, 2000, when water from a Chinese dam breach inundated Pasighat under 30 feet of water, killing seven people and destroying homes and livestock. “Such disasters are a grim reminder of the dangers of poorly planned large dam projects,” he stated.

Referring to China’s recent approval of a $137 billion dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) near the Indian border, Siram warned against adopting a reactionary 'tit-for-tat' policy. “India should act with wisdom, not bravado. We must take up China’s moves diplomatically on international platforms, not risk our own people and environment in the process.”

The Congress party emphasized its long-standing role in shaping India’s hydropower policy, tracing back to NDA power minister P.R. Kumaramangalam’s 1998 proposal and former Congress CM Mukut Mithi’s support for harnessing 50,000 MW of hydropower potential—though originally envisioned through more sustainable means.

The Central Electricity Authority now estimates Arunachal's hydropower potential at 58,000 MW, earning it the label “Future Power House of India.” But as Congress leaders caution, such potential must be tapped responsibly.

Meanwhile, the protest in East Siang shows no signs of waning, with villagers, civil society groups, and environmental advocates demanding a halt to preparatory work and seeking inclusive consultations before any further steps are taken.

As Arunachal stands at a hydropower crossroads, the debate between ecological sustainability, strategic necessity, and community consent is only expected to deepen.

  • 8237 reads

Add new comment

Other Contents by Author

Lumding Honors Naga Woman T. Machapakla Ao, Founder of Assamese School; Plans Statue Installation Amid Assam Sahitya Sabha Criticism

A heartfelt felicitation ceremony was held in Lumding to honor Naga woman Mrs. T. Machapakla Ao, the visionary founder of the Assamese medium school in the town. The event, organized by the fortnightly publication Matir Manuh, celebrated her pivotal role in establishing the school in 1956—a milestone in Lumding’s educational history. Prominent speakers at the event included Rajkumar Baishya (Chief Editor, Matir Manuh), Deepak Mena (Executive President), Minati Sharma (Director Member), Prashant Hatimota (General Secretary), Sujata Sharma (Social Media Secretary), Anup Arandhara (Secretary, Mung-Dun-Chung Kham, Assam, NE India), Dr. T. Lima Jamir (President, Nagaland Indigenous People’s...

Assam’s Eviction Drive: When Democracy Becomes a Tool for Fear

In recent years, Assam has witnessed a series of eviction drives that have displaced thousands, predominantly targeting Muslims of East Bengali origin. These individuals, often referred to as 'Miyas', have faced allegations of being 'illegal immigrants' despite possessing valid Indian documentation. The state's actions have raised concerns about the underlying motives and the implications for democracy and human rights. Political Motive Behind Evictions Experts argue that these eviction drives are strategically timed ahead of elections to create a divisive narrative. The ruling BJP is accused of attempting to foster a Hindu-Muslim divide, with some local organizations already holding...

Karbi Leader Detained for Demanding Eviction of ‘Illegal Settlers’

In a move that has sparked anger and unease, police in Diphu have detained Karbi youth leader and social activist Lichong Rongphar for spearheading protests demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers from VGR (Village Grazing Reserve) and PGR (Professional Grazing Reserve) lands in Karbi Anglong. The irony is stark: while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government is carrying out aggressive eviction drives in the plains—Lakhimpur, Dhubri, Goalpara and Uriamghat—similar demands raised in Karbi Anglong are being met with police crackdowns instead of action. Rongphar had been leading a series of mass protests, insisting that Bengali and Bihari settlers occupying VGR and PGR...

Bhupen Hazarika’s Kuthori Residence Handed Over to Locals for Preservation

On the auspicious occasion of the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the Assam government has handed over the legendary singer’s neglected residence at Kuthori, Kaziranga, to local residents for preservation. For the past five years, the house—once vibrant with the maestro’s harmonium, tabla, and compositions—had fallen into disrepair, leaving fans and admirers disheartened. Although the government had acquired the property at a cost of ₹2.51 crore from Fatik Nyog five years ago, no concrete conservation efforts had been initiated since. Responding to repeated demands from villagers, the government announced today that the residence will be developed into a cultural...

USTM Pays Glowing Tribute to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on 100th Birth Anniversary

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika with a vibrant cultural programme at its Central Auditorium. Themed “Voice of Bhupen Hazarika: Voice of the People; Leading to a Harmonious Society,” the event featured visual presentations, floral tributes, and lively performances by students and faculty. Prasanta Rajguru, Editor-in-Chief of Prag News, delivered the keynote, highlighting five iconic songs of the maestro and their historical relevance. Actor Kamal Singh presented a special tribute performance, while dignitaries including Dr. Aparna Buzarbaruah graced the occasion. The celebration...

Pallas’s Cat Documented for the First Time in Arunachal Pradesh

In a landmark wildlife discovery, the elusive Pallas’s Cat has been documented for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh during an extensive high-altitude survey jointly conducted by the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and WWF-India. The survey, carried out between July and September 2024, involved 136 camera traps across 2,000 sq km of rugged terrain in Tawang and West Kameng districts. It not only produced the first photographic record of Pallas’s Cat in the state, but also revealed the presence of five other wild cats — snow leopard, common leopard, clouded leopard, leopard cat, and marbled cat — at elevations above 4,200 metres...

Moran Community Launches 'Jatiya Gan Mancha' at Kakopathar Rally

In a historic gathering that marks a new chapter in Moran political mobilization, the Moran community today formally launched its new political platform, Jatiya Gan Mancha (National People’s Forum), at a mass assembly held at Kakopathar public ground. The event was convened under the aegis of leading Moran organizations, including the Assam Moran Sabha, All Moran Students’ Union, Moran Mahila Parishad, Moran Sahitya Sabha, Moran Art & Culture Development Centre, and the Moran National Educational Development Forum. The assembly commenced with ceremonial tributes to the community’s forebears, accompanied by devotional songs and cultural performances, setting a solemn and festive tone...

Fighting CAA in Court, Sharing Power in Govt – Where Does AGP Really Stand?

The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) loves to wear the mantle of regionalism. It proudly recalls its birth from the Assam Agitation and the sacrifices of 855 martyrs. Yet every fresh controversy over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) exposes the party for what it has become: a political outfit addicted to power, reduced to theatrics whenever Assamese identity is threatened. The script is depressingly familiar. In 2019, when CAA protests shook Assam, AGP staged a high-decibel drama—ministers resigned, alliance with the BJP was declared broken, the party promised to stand with the people. Two months later, under the cover of midnight negotiations, AGP crawled back into power, its leaders...

"Lawless Country—or Lawless Citizens?”: Gemini Loriak’s Viral Video Exposes Public Hypocrisy

Arunachal Pradesh law teacher Gemini Loriak has shaken the internet with a viral classroom talk that cuts deep into India’s collective conscience. In her fiery remarks, she dismantles the stereotype of India as a “lawless country,” declaring that it is not the absence of laws but the refusal of citizens to follow them that creates chaos. Loriak points to everyday hypocrisy: bribing to bypass queues, fastening seatbelts only when police are in sight, dismissing domestic violence as a “private matter,” normalizing harassment, and celebrating VIP culture while preaching equality. Quoting the Constitution—Article 14 on Equality, Article 21 on the Right to Life with Dignity, and Article...

Child’s death at Guwahati flyover site leads to arrests of contractor firm officials

In a swift development following public outrage, Assam Police have arrested three officials of Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd (BIPL) after the tragic death of a three-year-old boy who fell into an uncovered drain at the Arya Nagar flyover construction site in Guwahati. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, triggered shock across the city and led to demands for accountability from both the company and government authorities. According to reports, the toddler, identified as Sunit Kumar, slipped into an unguarded drain within the construction zone. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts later revealed several exposed manholes and drains left unattended at the site. The flyover work had...