Latest news with #SiangUpperMultipurposeProject
News18
13 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
New dam project may weaponise water flow to Chinas advantage: Report
Beijing [China], August 7 (ANI): The Yarlung Zangbo dam project, which China calls an initiative part of its renewable energy transition has revealed concerning and calculated geopolitical motivations with the project's location, scale, and timing, an opinion piece in Geopolitical Monitor statedThe project, which will eclipse the Three Gorges Dam and produce roughly 70 gigawatts of power, emerges at a moment of heightened regional decision to proceed with construction reflects a keen understanding of the evolving dynamics of water diplomacy in South Asia and its readiness to weaponise rivers, says the Geopolitical downstream implications of China's dam construction extend across multiple countries and affect hundreds of millions of people. The Yarlung Zangbo transforms into the Brahmaputra upon entering India, where it sustains approximately 130 million inhabitants and six million hectares of agricultural land throughout Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and additional northeastern provinces, as per Geopolitical response through the planned Siang Upper Multipurpose Project demonstrates its recognition that defensive measures have become essential, though it has its own limitations. India's own project faces environmental opposition and local resistance, for example, highlighting the democratic constraints that are less prominent in authoritarian countries like China. Additionally, the 11,000-megawatt dam planned for Arunachal Pradesh, while substantial, cannot fully counteract China's upstream fundamental asymmetry between China's position as an upstream hegemon and India's defensive posture suggests that Beijing will therefore retain strategic advantages regardless of any Indian countermeasures, Geopolitical Monitor in July, in response to concerns expressed by India over the Yarlung Zangbo hydropower project, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the project's construction falls within China's sovereign territory. He said, that China has cooperated with relevant downstream countries on hydrological monitoring, as well as flood prevention and mitigation, and has carried out necessary communications concerning the hydropower 2000, Beijing has built or authorised almost 193 hydroelectric installations in Tibet, with approximately 80 per cent categorised as major or massive-scale projects; over 60 per cent of these developments remain in planning or preliminary phases, yet if realised, they would displace more than 1.2 million residents and eliminate countless sacred locations, as per Geopolitical Monitor. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Indigenous people protest dam over Siang River, call for talks
New Delhi The proposed 11300 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project-- its pre-feasibility report (PFR) surveys and pre-construction activities and other outreach activities are being conducted 'by force' without the informed consent of the affected indigenous communities, members of the Siang Indigenous Farmer's Forum alleged on Saturday. This proposed mega dam over the Siang River, with an estimated capacity of more than 11,000 MW to be constructed at a height exceeding 500 metres above sea level (Photo:X/himanshu_ips) In a press conference held in Delhi, the farmers' body from Arunachal Pradesh raised several ecological concerns with the project. 'Massive and irreversible ecological damage was also highlighted about the project which would cause destruction of biodiversity-hotspots, leading to loss of indigenous medicinal plants and endemic flora and fauna, cutting of old growth forests and disruption of riverine ecosystems whilst the project is proposed in seismic zone V with eminent threat of dam- triggered earthquakes/seismic activity such as erosion, flooding, etc,' the statement said while adding that: 'GLOF (Glacier Lake Outburst Flooding) was also highlighted as an eminent threat due to climate change induced rapid glacier melting of Rivers in Arunachal, including those in Siang and Dibang rivers of India,' the statement said. This proposed mega dam over the Siang River, with an estimated capacity of more than 11,000 MW and to be constructed at a height exceeding 500 metres above sea level, has triggered strong opposition and public protests from indigenous tribal communities in the state and downstream areas in Assam, the note further said. This is due to potential displacement of over 1.5 lakh people, mostly from the Adi and other indigenous tribes, as well as the submergence of 27 villages, leading to the loss of ancestral homes and land rights, agricultural land and livelihood and cultural heritage sites including Kekar Moying, a historic Adi landmark where the historic Anglo Abor (British-Adi) fight took place, they said. Also Read: Explained: Why is China's largest dam in Tibet a potential 'water bomb' for India? The members said heavy deployment of Central Armed Police Forces in Siang district had led to intense fear among locals. 'Intensive protests have been ongoing to this day by local PAFs (project affected families) in Siang region opposing the proposed dam PFR leading to public anguish and desperate measures like road blockades and verbal confrontations with district authorities,' the members said. Key issues highlighted by members include: Suspension of Gao Bura (village head) for opposing Siang project; arbitrary detention and arrests of protestors and members of SIFF; false cases/ charges and criminalisation of leaders including leaders of SIFF and AdiSU (Adi Student Union), members have alleged and alleged accounts of corruption and bribery to sign a memorandum of understanding for the PFR. Also Read: Fresh protests in Arunachal against project meant to counter Chinese dam risks The members however asserted that they are not against the government. 'We are not against the government but you have to consult us. That is the procedure for any clearance. Paramilitary forces have been deployed in all three districts of Siang. Adis and other indigenous tribes are affected as there would be displacement from ancestral lands. Isnt this a violation of democratic processes? We are in peaceful protest,' SIFF Legal advisor Bhanu Tatak said. Further, Tatak said they did not have enough information on the 60,000 MW Motuo Hydropower Station being constructed by China across the border, in response to which India has intensified the construction of the Upper Siang project in India. 'They (administration) are calling us anti-national because we are opposing the dam. But they are publicly not disclosing what is happening in China. Us living downstream of China are Indians so we need to know,' added Tatak. HT sought a response from NHPC Limited (erstwhile National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) on the concerns raised by SIFF but did not receive a response till the time of going to print. Also Read: Will go ahead with Siang dam only after public nod, says Arunachal CM amid protests Sources said the Motuo Hydropower Project (60,000 MW) proposed by China in the Great bend area of Tsangpo/Brahmaputra River about 265 kms upstream of India-China border. It is estimated that 40 BCM of water may be diverted by the Chinese Project. Lean season flow in the Siang may be reduced by 80% (at entry level). This will cause lowering of ground water even on hill slopes, loss in Fishing in the Siang, loss of plants, drinking water etc. One of the concerns that sources said is being considered: China can cause floods in India by releasing large amounts of water unexpectedly in monsoon season, which may cause great devastation downstream. Movement of the army may also get disrupted. The proposed locations for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project lies in seismic zone V as per Seismic zoning map of India, as incorporated in Bureau of Indian Standard. From 1930 onwards, the time when first instrumental seismic monitoring started in India, it is observed that a total of five events in the magnitude range 7.0M-7.9M and one event >8.0 M (8.6 M in Assam in 1950) has been recorded within a 300km radius of the project.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Arunachal Cong chief meets Kharge, seeks support on critical state issues
1 2 Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram on Thursday met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi and sought the party's support on several critical issues affecting the frontier state. During the meeting, Siram sought the party's support on the need to amend Article 371(H), opposition to the proposed 11,000MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The APCC also submitted a memorandum outlining concerns over what it termed as the "inadequate" constitutional safeguards provided under Article 371(H) of the Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Act, 1986. The provision, Siram said, fails to protect tribal customs, land ownership rights and the interests of indigenous communities in terms of natural resource management. He contrasted this with stronger protections available to neighbouring states such as Nagaland and Mizoram under Articles 371(A) and 371(G) and urged the party to push for constitutional amendments. Raising the alarm over the proposed SUMP, Siram informed Kharge that the 11,000-MW mega dam with a proposed height of over 300 metres poses a serious threat to the ecology, cultural heritage, and demographics of the Siang region. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Roof Repair or Replacement? Compare the Cost Now Roofing Services | Search Ads Learn More Undo He warned that more than 27 villages could be submerged, displacing nearly 1.5 lakh indigenous people, and leading to irreversible environmental damage. He flagged concerns over the use of Central Armed Police Forces to push forward survey and drilling activities without the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of local communities — a move he described as reminiscent of "colonial-style dominance". While reiterating the Congress' commitment to development, he maintained that such projects should not come at the cost of indigenous lives, livelihoods, and heritage. "We are not against development, but we are against destructive development," he said. Siram further called for the rollback of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and the reinstatement of the OPS, arguing that the NPS leaves govt employees vulnerable to market fluctuations and fails to guarantee post-retirement security.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
APCC prez meets Rahul, raises concern over proposed Siang project
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram on Thursday raised concerns over the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He warned that the mega dam, with a proposed height of more than 300 metres, will lead to the displacement of nearly 1.5 lakh indigenous tribal people and the submergence of over 27 villages in the Siang region. During a meeting with leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, , in New Delhi, Siram emphasized that the project posed a grave threat to the ecology, cultural heritage and livelihoods in Siang, Upper Siang, East Siang and adjoining districts. He said the dam would result in the permanent loss of ancestral homes, jhum fields (shifting cultivation lands), paddy lands, and community infrastructure and would also impact sacred cultural landmarks such as Kekar Monying. Siram alleged that surveys and feasibility studies for the project were being carried out forcibly, often with the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces. He argued that this violated provisions under Article 371(H) of the Constitution, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). He further said Arunachal Pradesh was situated in seismic zone-V, the highest-risk earthquake category, and the construction of such a massive structure significantly increases the risk of landslides, erosion, and earthquake-induced disasters. While clarifying that Congress was not opposed to development or dam construction in general, Siram said the objection was specifically to mega dams of abnormal height that threatens the very survival and identity of indigenous communities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He urged Rahul Gandhi to adopt a balanced and people-centric approach to the issue. According to a party statement, Rahul Gandhi assured Siram that the matter will be seriously examined, describing it as an issue of national importance. Siram also used the opportunity to advocate for the modification of Article 371(H) of the Statehood Act of Arunachal Pradesh. He sought to bring it at par with the provisions granted to Nagaland and Mizoram under Article 371(A) and 371(G), respectively. He argued that the current lack of legislative autonomy over land and natural resources has deprived Arunachal's indigenous people of ownership rights over water, forest and land. Furthermore, the APCC chief raised the issue of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and demanded the reintroduction of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to ensure post-retirement security for state govt employees.
News18
31-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
APCC chief meets Rahul Gandhi, raises key state issues
Agency: PTI Itanagar, Jul 31 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram on Thursday met the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, at his New Delhi residence and raised several pressing issues related to constitutional rights, largescale dam projects, and employee welfare in the state. Among the issues highlighted by Siram was the demand for rectification and modification of Article 371(H) of the Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Act to bring it on a par with the provisions under Article 371(A) for Nagaland and Article 371(G) for Mizoram, a party release informed here. Siram pointed out, that unlike the other two northeastern states, Arunachal does not have constitutional protection over ownership of land and natural resources. He emphasised that this legal gap has deprived indigenous tribal communities of rightful control over their water, forest and land and has also impacted the state's stake in development projects such as hydropower, mining, and oil exploration, where Arunachal holds only 10 per cent equity, with 90 per cent resting with the Centre and project developers. Calling for a 'fair restructuring of Article 371(H)" and enhanced state equity in resource-based projects, Siram urged Gandhi to intervene and support economic empowerment and constitutional justice for the people of the state, it added. Gandhi acknowledged the significance of the issue and assured that it would be taken up seriously. The second major concern presented during the meeting was the contentious Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). This proposed mega dam over the Siang River, with an estimated capacity of 11,000 MW and a height exceeding 300 meters, has triggered strong opposition from indigenous tribal communities in the state and downstream areas in Assam. Siram expressed concern over the potential displacement of over 1.5 lakh people, mostly from the Adi and other indigenous tribes, as well as the submergence of 27 villages, leading to the loss of ancestral homes, agricultural lands, and cultural heritage sites including Kekar Monying, a historic Adi landmark. He warned of the irreversible ecological damage the project could cause, including destruction of biodiversity-rich forests, loss of flora and fauna, and disruption of riverine ecosystems. The APCC president further alleged that the project is being pushed through without Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from local communities, with reports of forced surveys, deployment of armed personnel, and a colonial-style approach in handling opposition, the statement said. Siram stated that the SUMP violates Article 371(H), the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People's (UNDRIP). He highlighted the region's location in seismic Zone-V, warning that such a massive dam project in an earthquake-prone zone poses significant risks of landslides, erosion, and seismic-triggered disasters. While reiterating the Congress' support for development, Siram clarified that it stands against mega-dam projects of abnormal height that threaten the socio-cultural fabric and livelihoods of indigenous communities. He urged Gandhi to adopt a balanced, people-centric view on the SUMP issue. Gandhi responded empathetically, terming it a matter of national concern and promised to evaluate it with seriousness, the statement added. Siram also raised the demand to scrap the New Pension Scheme (NPS), which is market-linked and does not guarantee a fixed pension. He called for the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to ensure retirement security for government employees in the state. PTI UPL UPL MNB (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 17:45 IST News agency-feeds APCC chief meets Rahul Gandhi, raises key state issues Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
