30-05-2025
70% of our population backs Siang dam project: Arunachal minister
Dibrugarh: Arunachal Pradesh rural development and panchayati raj minister Ojing Tasing on Friday said nearly 70 per cent of the population supports the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), despite facing fierce opposition from protesters just days earlier.
The 11,000MW hydropower initiative in Siang district has emerged as a strategic response to China's dam constructions upstream on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which becomes the Siang as it enters Indian territory. Beyond water security, the SUMP is projected to generate clean, renewable energy that could address chronic power shortages across northeastern states. The hydropower project represents one of India's largest proposed renewable energy initiatives in the region.
However, the project has been facing local resistance, with recent protests turning violent. On May 27, Tasing himself was caught in a high-voltage anti-dam protest in Boleng and escaped attack by demonstrators.
"While 70 per cent of our population backs this crucial initiative for our region's water security, it's important to note that this majority remains largely silent. The 30 per cent opposing the project are more vocal and often dominate the narrative, but that doesn't reflect the true sentiment of our community. Some anti-dam activists from outside and my political opponents are misleading residents and fueling resistance to the project," Tasing said.
