The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a 12,500 MW hydropower initiative in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang region, has sparked strong resistance from the indigenous and local communities, who view it as a direct threat to their environment, safety, and way of life. The government’s recent decision to deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to facilitate pre-feasibility surveys has intensified the situation, with community members calling the move “illegal, unconstitutional, and a blatant attempt to coerce consent.” In a letter addressed to central and state authorities, representatives from Siang, East Siang, and Upper Siang districts categorically rejected the project, stating, “We will not tolerate any attempts to force our consent regarding the dam.”

Further underscoring their concerns, the letter points to legal violations and misuse of Gram Sabha signatures, calling it a violation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act, 2006.

The deployment of CAPF in the Siang Valley has only escalated tensions.

The indigenous and local communities remain resolute in their opposition, demanding the immediate withdrawal of CAPF and the abandonment of the Siang Dam project.

State-owned hydropower company National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is advancing the project, which faces opposition from the local Adi community.

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) reached out to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for comment on the allegations of militirisation, Survey facilitation, legal violations, and coercion of consent regarding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. However, NHPC did not respond to the inquiry.