Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Arunachal Protests Escalate Over Proposed Siang Multipurpose Dam Project
People in Arunachal Pradesh are protesting a proposed dam on the Siang River.
The project could produce 11,000 megawatts of electricity.
Many local residents, including members of the Adi tribe, fear it could harm their land and way of life.
Protests became more serious when security forces arrived for an initial study of the project.
Some protesters fought with security personnel and set vehicles on fire.
The home of a local lawmaker was also reportedly vandalised.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited the area to discuss the project with residents and officials.
He said the government would not continue if experts decide the project cannot be built.
Activists say the government and some lawmakers have already indicated that the dam will be built.
Protests against the proposed 11,000 MW Siang project intensified during Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s visit to Yingkiong.
Demonstrators allegedly vandalised MLA Alo Libang’s residence and damaged government vehicles.
Police and security vehicles were reportedly set on fire in Dite Dime and Komkar, while road blockades disrupted movement.
Residents, mainly from the Adi tribe, say the project threatens their land and way of life.
The government says it is seeking only a pre-feasibility study, while activists and some lawmakers say the dam is likely to proceed.
- Who
- Residents of the Siang basin, mainly members of the Adi tribe, protested against the Arunachal Pradesh government’s proposed project.
- What
- Protests intensified, with clashes, vehicle fires, road blockades, and alleged vandalism of an MLA’s residence.
- When
- The latest escalation occurred on Wednesday, following clashes on Monday and Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s visit on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Where
- The incidents occurred around Yingkiong, Geku, Dite Dime, and Komkar in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang and Siang areas.
- Why
- Residents oppose the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and the deployment of security forces for its pre-feasibility survey.
Government and Project Supporters
Local Residents and Activists
Purpose of the current process
Government and Project Supporters
Chief Minister Pema Khandu says the government is seeking a pre-feasibility study rather than immediately building the dam.
Local Residents and Activists
Residents and activists view the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces for the survey as a threat to their rights and communities.
Future of the dam
Government and Project Supporters
Khandu says the project will not proceed if experts conclude after the preliminary feasibility report that it cannot be built.
Local Residents and Activists
Activist Ebo Mili says some lawmakers, including Ojing Tasing and Ninong Ering, have publicly said the dam will be built.
Local impact
Government and Project Supporters
The government is presenting the project for discussion and consultation with residents before any further process.
Local Residents and Activists
Residents say the project threatens their land and way of life; scientists and researchers have also cited ecological, cultural, and socio-political risks.
Chief minister’s visit
Government and Project Supporters
The Upper Siang deputy commissioner said Khandu completed his scheduled official meeting before leaving by helicopter.
Local Residents and Activists
Northeast Live reported that the protests forced Khandu to cut short his visit, while activist Ebo Mili called the meeting a failure.
- Proposed project
- Siang Upper Multipurpose Project
- Planned capacity
- 11,000 MW
- River
- The Siang, a main tributary of the Brahmaputra
- Protest locations
- Yingkiong, Geku, Dite Dime, and Komkar
- Reported arrests
- Four people were arrested after Monday’s clash in Geku
- Government position
- The government says it is currently seeking a pre-feasibility study and will not proceed if experts reject the project
- Scientific concerns
- In June 2025, 114 scientists, researchers, and practitioners called for related construction, surveys, and pre-clearance activities to be suspended