Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Rijiju Urges Dialogue Over Siang Hydropower Project Concerns
Kiren Rijiju says the government and people who oppose a large proposed dam project should talk to each other.
The project is planned on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.
Some local people worry it could displace communities, harm nature and affect their traditional way of life.
They are also concerned about the risks of building in an area where earthquakes are a concern.
Protesters want surveys to stop and security forces to leave areas that may be affected.
The government says the project could bring jobs and help provide water and energy.
Rijiju says neither side should use force or treat the other as an enemy.
He believes respectful discussion can help them find a way forward.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju called for respectful dialogue between the government and people opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
Rijiju said there should be no coercion and urged government representatives and community leaders to discuss concerns together.
Opponents have raised concerns about displacement, effects on traditional ways of life, ecological damage and seismic risks.
Protesters have demanded that pre-feasibility studies and survey work stop and that security forces leave affected areas.
The government says the project could support development, jobs, water and energy security, and has strategic significance amid China's proposed dam upstream.
- Who
- Union minister Kiren Rijiju, the government and people opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
- What
- Rijiju called for dialogue to address local concerns about the proposed project.
- When
- Thursday; the article does not specify a date.
- Where
- Pasighat, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh; the project is proposed on the Siang River.
- Why
- Opponents have concerns about displacement, traditional ways of life, ecological damage and seismic risks, while the government says the project could bring development and improve water and energy security.
Project opponents
Government position
Local impacts and project risks
Project opponents
Opponents cite possible displacement, harm to traditional ways of life, ecological damage and risks associated with construction in a seismically active region.
Government position
The government says the project has potential to support economic and social development, create local jobs and strengthen water and energy security.
Surveys and security presence
Project opponents
Protesters demand an immediate halt to pre-feasibility report activities and survey work, as well as the withdrawal of security forces from likely affected areas.
Government position
Rijiju said the government and community representatives should discuss concerns respectfully and find a way forward, without coercion.
- Project
- Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP)
- Proposed location
- On the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh
- Minister
- Kiren Rijiju, Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs minister
- Opponents' demands
- Stop pre-feasibility report activities and survey work, and withdraw security forces from areas likely to be affected.
- Community concerns
- Possible displacement, impacts on traditional ways of life, ecological damage and risks from construction in a seismically active region.
- Government's stated benefits
- Potential contributions to development, local employment, and water and energy security.
- Strategic context
- The project has strategic significance amid concerns about China's proposed mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo upstream.