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The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
As a tool for the elite to pursue profits, what will the SUMP bring to the indigenous people of the Siang Valley?
In recent years, the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh, India has been a raging controversy. The project, with complex economic interests, has become a breeding ground for crony capitalism. Meanwhile it violates the basic rights of the indigenous people and threatens their livelihoods. The SUMP reveals the collusion between government and corporate power and disregard for the rights and interests of the people. Public Participation in Name Only During the implementation of the SUMP, public participation mechanisms remain largely nominal, revealing major procedural weaknesses and the neglect of people's rights. The India's Environment Protection Act grants the public the right to participate in environmental protection, and Article 32(2) of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) states that indigenous people have the right to free, prior, and informed consent before approval of projects affecting their lands or territories. However, these legal provisions have been systematically ignored in practice. The SUMP lacks transparency, as key information such as environmental impact assessments and social impact analysis has not been timely disclosed or communicated to local communities in an accessible manner. As a result of serious information asymmetry, the indigenous people and other affected people have insufficient understanding of the potential risks and consequences of the project. Furthermore, public hearings held by the government have been designed to assert its planrather than hear from the public, therefore the input and demands of community representatives have been ignored or dismissed by the government. This so-called 'public participation' is nothing more than a superficial effort to fulfill the legal obligation. And elite interests are prioritized over those of the indigenous communities. Loss of Livelihoods Projections indicate that the SUMP could generate an additional annual revenue of Rs 3,384 crore for Arunachal Pradesh through free power. Behind those figures, though, lies the harsh reality that economic benefits created by the SUMP will flow to the upper classes and project contractors, while the ordinary people, particularly the indigenous communities, will bear the brunt of the costs. Upper Siang District is inhabited by four main groups of Tribes Adi, Memba, Khamba, and IduMismis. Indigenous communities residing in the region have long depended on the land, forests, and rivers for their survival through fishing, gathering, farming, and handicrafts. Yet, the SUMP will disrupt this delicate balance and their entire way of life. The project could submerge over 300 villages of the Adi tribe, depriving the indigenous communities of agricultural lands, water sources, and forests that they are deeply intertwined with. Even more devastatingly, indigenous people would have to purchase food for survival after the loss of traditional food sources, further intensifying the burden on them. The government tries to kick the indigenous off their land with minimal compensation, leaving them no choice but to work in factories for meager wages. The SUMP is underpinned by a distorted idea: leave marginalized communities vulnerable to rights violations under the pretense of economic development, while belie the disregard and suppression of indigenous rights to survival under the banner of national interest. Corruption and Collusion Infrastructure development in the Himalayan region has long been marred by government-corporate collusion and corruption, with the SUMP emerging as a flagship case. Throughout the implementation of the SUMP, a complex network of vested interests has been established through illicit partnerships between unscrupulous companies and corrupt government officials. On one hand, the project approval process is plagued by under-the-table dealings. Many assessment reports, riddled with fabrications and a blatant disregard of critical environmental risks, are rubber-stamped by the government in exchange for bribes from contractors. On the other hand, the process of land acquisition has emerged as a significant channel through which government officials engage in the misappropriation of funds. Indigenous lands have been forcibly taken by the government, while compensation payments could be arbitrarily scrimped by officials at different levels, leaving only meager sums to reach the affected indigenous people. Lack of transparency in the approval process, coupled with the unfair compulsory land acquisition and compensation process has allowed rampant corruption and created a vicious cycle that is hard to break. The Disruption of Cultural Traditions The Siang Valley, the ancestral homeland of various indigenous peoples including the Adi, Memba, Khamba peoples, provides livelihood to local tribes and shapes their cultural and spiritual beliefs. With rich cultural traditions, the local tribes worship nature deities, perform seasonal sacrifices and observe traditional celebrations associated with the land. For instance, the Adi people celebrate the Aran festival every March, a time when the village men venture deep into the forest for several days to hunt game. During this sacred ritual, they appease the spirits with offerings of apong, the traditional millet beer, and prayers. However, such cultural practices will be completely destroyed by the SUMP. The construction of the SUMP will lead to inundation of numerous religious sites and historical landmarks, such as the Malinithan archaeological site and the Pasighat Buddhist Temple. Furthermore, the scattered relocation of tribe members will disrupt traditional social structures, and terminate younger generation's cultural ties with the land. The disruption of local cultural traditions is not only a violation of indigenous people's rights but also a ruthless devastation of humanity's cultural diversity. Environmental Deterioration Rich in biodiversity and complex geomorphological features, the Siang region is part of the unique ecosystem of the eastern Himalayas. The implementation of the SUMP would directly jeopardize the fragile balance of the region's ecosystem. According to research by environmental scientists, the project could lead to severe consequences, including: Damage to river ecosystem: The SUMP will disrupt the natural flow of rivers, impacting fish migration and habitats of aquatic species. This will not only inflict devastating damage on local fisheries but also leave the entire regional food chain at risk of collapse. Deforestation and land degradation: The SUMP requires large-scale clearing of forests for the development of dams, roads, and other infrastructures. This will exacerbate land degradation in the region and release vast amount of stored carbon into the atmosphere, thereby accelerating global warming. Sharp decline in biodiversity: The Siang region provides habitat for numerous rare species, including snow leopard, red panda, and various endangered bird species. With the construction of the SUMP, rare species will be exposed to the risk of extinction. Safety Hazards and Catastrophic Consequences The Himalayan mountain region is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, prone to frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides. The construction of the SUMP is likely to aggravate the risks of disasters and trigger larger-scale catastrophes. Risks of earthquakes and dam burst: The Himalayas are located in the collision zone of Indian and Eurasian plates, where seismic activities frequently occur. The dam can burst in the event of a strong earthquake in the SUMP area, causing disastrous flooding downstream. These risks have become particularly pronounced in recent years due to Indian government's hydropower construction. Threats of glacier melting and flooding: Climate change is causing Himalayan glaciers to melt at an alarming rate. The SUMP risks exacerbating this trend, further increasing the dangers of floods and mudflows. The 2013 Uttarakhand floods led to deaths of over 5000 people officially and damage to multiple hydro projects. In 2021 an avalanche in Chamoli caused catastrophic floods that destroyed hydropower infrastructure and claimed over 200 lives. In 2023, the Teesta Ⅲ Dam was destroyed by a glacial lake outburst in Sikkim. And in 2024 in Himachal Pradesh the Malana Dam burst as it was hit by a sudden flood from upstream. The above-mentioned issues are interconnected rather than isolated, creating a complex web of crises. Irreversible and devastating harm to the Siang district and its residents would be inevitable with the assertive implementation of the SUMP. The project will destroy indigenous livelihoods and cultures, push fragile ecosystems to the brink of collapse, and jeopardize life safety of residents in Arunachal Pradesh and beyond. 'This is a company press release that is not part of editorial content. No journalist of The Hindu was involved in the publication of this release.'
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Watch: Israel Becomes First Country To Shoot Down Enemy Drones With Laser Weapon
Israel has become the first country in the world to use laser weapons to shoot down enemy drones during the ongoing war in Gaza. The Israeli Air Force's Aerial Defense Array used the prototype laser air defences during the "Swords of Iron War" to reach a significant milestone in modern warfare, where the use of laser weapons has long been theorised. Developed by Israel-based defence company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, these energy weapons direct an intense beam of light at a target and use heat to damage or destroy it. "Throughout the current war, the IAF, including its Aerial Defense Array soldiers, studied and deployed the laser systems in the field, achieving outstanding interception rates that saved civilian lives and protected national assets," Rafael said in a statement. Brigadier General Yehuda Elmakayes, head of the ministry's defence and research directorate, confirmed that the use of prototypes "culminated" with the "world's first successful high-power laser interceptions on the battlefield". "We are currently integrating these insights into the systems under development, while expanding the range of laser-based systems to protect Israeli civilians and IDF forces," he said. Laser beam weapon in action Video shared by Israel's Ministry of Defense showcased the laser weapon system in action as it made at least three interceptions. In one of the skirmishes, the laser could be seen igniting the drone's wingtip, causing it to burn and crash. These enemy flying weapons appeared similar to the types of drone threats Israel has faced from Hamas, Hezbollah, as well as the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. The drones have a crucifix-like design with a V-tail at the rear. This is amazing 🇮🇱 During the last war, Israel conducted operational testing of the Magen Or laser interception system, mainly in the northern region, and the system recorded operational successes in the field of interception. — Adi 🎗 (@Adi13) May 28, 2025 BREAKING - During recent operations, the Israeli Defense Forces deployed the 'Magen Or' (Shield of Light) laser interception system in the northern sector for testing. The system successfully neutralized multiple hostile UAVs, including four Hezbollah drones, proving its… — Vanguard Intel Group 🛡 (@vanguardintel) May 28, 2025 The Israeli military intends to use the laser system in tandem with the powerful Iron Beam system," a larger network of similar systems that's in the works. Experts believe that laser systems are useful for eliminating cheaper enemy targets like drones rather than spending expensive missile interceptors.
The Print
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
2025 investor summit shows PM Modi's commitment to Northeast
As PM Modi put it , 'For us, EAST is not just a direction—it is a vision: Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform. This is the guiding framework of our policy for Eastern India.' The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to correct this 'gap' between the Northeast and New Delhi. PM Modi has carried forward the vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who saw the necessity of integrating the region with the rest of India. Vajpayee set up the DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) ministry in 2001 – which became a full-fledged ministry in 2004 – to ensure equitable development and progress in these far-flung but strategically important states. The Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 , held recently at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, highlighted the current government's determination to ensure that Guwahati, Agartala, Imphal, and Shillong become the Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad of the Northeast. India's Northeast has struggled with underdevelopment for decades – due to poor connectivity, cultural isolation, and other crucial factors. Moreover, its proximity to friendly – and not so friendly – neighbours such as China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan makes it a geopolitical hotbed. It takes a wise leader to understand the importance of integrating this sensitive region. Also read: India must look beyond Bangladesh. Kolkata-Sittwe-Aizawl corridor is key to Northeast Historical importance Home to over 200 tribes, Northeast India is a culturally, ethnically, and linguistically rich region. I have regularly travelled to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur – both as a Minister of State and a BJP party worker – and have been deeply fascinated by the diversity and traditions I encountered on each visit. On a recent trip to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, I was welcomed warmly by the Adi and Galo tribes. The Galo people presented me with a beautiful handwoven wrap-around half-sari, showcasing the region's cultural heritage. The early years after Independence saw unrest and insurgency due to perceived neglect and alienation, leading to the formation of Nagaland in 1963, and Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya in 1972. Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram became full-fledged states in 1987. The unrest, however, continued. Armed separatist groups such as the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) created immense disturbance in the region with support from across the border. Under the present NDA government, many challenges related to insurgency have been handled firmly, and any attempt to create conflict will be handled resolutely and responsibly. Migration from Bangladesh, for instance, has continually reshaped Assam and Tripura's demographics. But BJP-backed initiatives such as the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have brought tentative stability. Also read: Northeast a success story not just for BJP but all of India. It's all about getting to end of bell curve Corridor to Southeast Asia Alliances such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) have increased the strategic importance of the Northeastern Region, which, in line with the Look East /Act East Policy, serves as India's gateway to Southeast Asia. Regional connectivity, through various development corridors such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, is removing traditional barriers to regional trade. As revealed at the Northeast investors summit, the Modi government plans to boost economic integration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and increase trade from $125 billion to $200 billion in the next 10 years. Existing Initiatives such as the Mekong Ganga Cooperation support this vision, aiming to promote tourism, culture, and education between India, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. Additionally, the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement, the protocol for which was recently finalised, seeks to provide a seamless way for vehicles to travel across borders, greatly benefiting regional supply chains. Also read: Modi's yoga mat to Nagaland honey, NECTAR is taking Northeast to Japan, Netherlands Boosting infrastructure Infrastructure development in the Northeast has increased by leaps and bounds in the last decade or so. At the 2025 investors summit, my former colleague Jyotiraditya Scindia, who also leads the DoNER ministry, praised PM Modi's commitment to the region. Under the PM's leadership, 'the ministry has created eight high-level task forces across key sectors such as agriculture, sports, investment promotion, tourism, economic corridors, infrastructure, textiles and handicrafts, and animal husbandry, allowing each state to chart its own roadmap,' Scindia said. National highways in the region have expanded to over 16,000 km, while airports have nearly doubled — from nine to 17 — between 2014 and 2024. Waterways, too, are being rapidly developed as an alternative form of transportation. Of special significance is Bogibeel, India's longest rail-road bridge, which was inaugurated with great fanfare by previous governments but kept missing completion deadlines. The work was finally expedited and finished under PM Modi in 2018. I recently travelled from Assam to Arunachal on this bridge, which is an engineering marvel – a magnificent 4.94 km rail and road bridge over the Brahmaputra River, designed to withstand earthquakes. This bridge has significantly reduced travel time and gives increased accessibility to the border areas of Tibet via Arunachal. Another engineering feat is the all-weather Sela Tunnel, which provides year-round connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Rail projects worth Rs 88,000 crore will boost connectivity in the region; Assam even got its first Vande Bharat Train in 2023. A portion of the Agartala-Akhaura rail line was inaugurated in November that year. The Tata group, on the other hand, is in the process of setting up a semiconductor plant in Assam, with an investment of Rs 27,000 crore. Regular investor summits are being held all over the country to persuade national and international investors to set up their manufacturing plants in the region. My frequent trips to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Meghalaya have deepened my respect for Northeastern people. It is clear that they want to be a part of Viksit Bharat 2047 and do not wish to be left behind. I recently interacted with inspirational youth leader Tana Jiri, whose speech on One Nation, One Election, motivated local youth to play an active role in initiating positive change. An advocate for youth rights, Jiri embodies the young generation that wants to participate in the development of India through initiatives such as Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat, and the Apun Bahen Scheme. These youngsters are motivated and open-minded, and are happy to adapt to the three-language policy. It is apparent that our forward-thinking PM Modi has a vision for the greatly neglected Northeast states, which he has referred to as India's 'Ashtalakshmi' – eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi. The region, rich in minerals, bamboo, and tea and home to sporting legends such as Mary Kom and Baichung Bhutia, is an emerging hub for aspirational India. Rather than neglecting this important corner of the country, PM Modi has fulfilled his promise of taking India, in its entirety, into the future. Meenakashi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal. (Edited by Zoya Bhatti)
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Rights groups back anti-dam protests in Arunachal Pradesh
At least three rights groups have expressed their support for the ongoing protests against a proposed mega dam in the Siang region of Arunachal Pradesh. These organisations – Manipur's Centre for Research and Advocacy, Sikkim's Affected Citizens of Teesta, and Tripura's Borok People's Human Rights Organisation – have also condemned the Arunachal Pradesh government for booking lawyer-activist Ebo Mili. A first information report was registered against him following a complaint by P.K. Thungon, the Deputy Commissioner of the Siang district, for allegedly provoking the Adi community villagers to resist the security forces at the project site to facilitate a survey and the pre-feasibility report. Also Read | Arunachal groups protest NHPC's mega dam site survey Villagers of central Arunachal Pradesh's Siang, Upper Siang, and West Siang districts have been protesting the security build-up at the site for the proposed 11,000 megawatt Siang Upper Multi-purpose Hydroelectric Project (SUMP) since May 22. The project entails a 300-metre-high dam on the Siang River, downstream of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, where China is planning a 60,000 MW project. Apart from fearing displacement and an ecological disaster, the villagers are against the dam as they revere the river as 'Ane', meaning 'mother' in the language of the Adi indigenous community. 'It is highly unfortunate that the government of India pursue the survey for SUMP without the free, prior, and informed consent of the Adi people of Arunachal Pradesh. The government of Arunachal Pradesh's notification on December 6, 2024, to deploy Central Armed Police Forces in the Siang district to facilitate the pre-feasibility study of the Siang dam and subsequent deployment violates indigenous peoples' rights,' the three rights bodies said. 'The deployment of security forces and militarisation of the dam site in May 2025, despite the opposition and call for dialogue by the affected Adi people, undermines all semblance of democracy. The Adi tribe is worried about the potential impacts of the SUMP on their land, ecology, forest, livelihood, culture, identity, involuntary displacement, increased disasters, and influx of non-Indigenous populations, downstream impacts and survival threats to their future,' the organisations said. They said the SUMP would cause significant downstream effects such as widespread flooding in Assam, apart from adversely affecting the Adi people and their land. 'The disaster risk posed by the dam is further heightened by the region's high seismicity and the worsening effects of climate change, including rapid glacier melting, deforestation, landslides, floods in the Himalayan region,' the organisations said. It cited the October 2023 glacial lake outburst disaster in Sikkim and the 2011 earthquake that damaged the 1,200 MW Teesta III and other dams in the Himalayan State as cases in point. The three organisations urged the Centre to hold meaningful dialogue with the Adi people who would be affected by the SUMP and drop the charges against Mr. Mili.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Arunachal villagers protest security put up for proposed dam
GUWAHATI Villagers from three districts of central Arunachal Pradesh, on Friday (May 23, 2025), launched an indefinite sit-in at a site where security forces personnel have been deployed to facilitate the pre-feasibility report (PFR) and survey for a proposed 11,000 MW hydroelectric project. The protesters are residents of villages in the Siang, Upper Siang and West Siang districts likely to be affected if the 11,000 megawatt Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project (SUMP), entailing a 300-metre-high dam, comes up on the Siang River. Apart from the perceived ecological disaster, the villagers are against the dam as they refer to the river as 'Ane', meaning 'mother' in the language of the Adi indigenous community. After confronting the Central armed police and State police personnel on Thursday, the villagers converged at Beging under the Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum (SIFF) to say no to any activity that would lead to the mega-dam. Located in the Siang district, Begging is the survey site for the hydroelectric project pursued by the NHPC. In a message to the district heads in December 2024, the State's Undersecretary (Home) sought accommodation and logistics facilities at several villages around the project site besides Begging and the district headquarters — Pasighat (East Siang), Boleng (Siang), and Yingkiong (Upper Siang). The message specified five companies of the central armed police forces near Begging and Parong villages. The protesters, mostly women, shouted slogans and held placards conveying their opposition to the mega project. 'We cannot allow PFR for a project that will rob us of our ancestral land and livelihood, and, without PFR, land acquisition cannot happen,' a SIFF member said. Protests erupt over Siang dam survey in Arunachal He cited the 2,880 MW Dibang Valley hydroelectric project, where dam-building companies acquired land after the PFR was conducted. The SIFF and affiliate organisations demanded the immediate withdrawal of the armed security personnel and a peaceful dialogue between the government representatives and the families who would be affected by the project. The villagers said they have been opposing dams under the banner of the SIFF since the early 1980s. 'This forceful survey is a blatant violation of our fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India. We condemn this arbitrary abuse of power, which has profoundly hurt our sentiments for which we seek immediate intervention and remedy from government authorities and civil society organisations concerned,' the SIFF's Bhanu Tatak and Nith Paron said in a statement. The opposition to the SUMP started brewing after the NHPC wrote to the Arunachal Pradesh government in July 2024, seeking round-the-clock security at the proposed sites for core drilling works and geophysical studies. Chief Minister Pema Khandu backed the project, citing concerns over China's plan to construct a massive project on the Yarlung Tsangpo to generate 60,000 MW of electricity. Yarlung Tsangpo is the Tibetan stretch of the Siang, which becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam downstream after meeting two other rivers. Mr. Khandu said projects such as the SUMP were necessary to counter the Chinese projects. He said Beijing, not a signatory to the International Water Conventions, could divert water from multiple reservoirs to drier parts of China. 'In such a scenario, the volume of water in Siang will reduce drastically, so much so that one will be able to cross it on foot during winters,' he said, also underscoring the possibility of China suddenly releasing water from its dams to cause devastation in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
