Upper Siang Hydro Electric Project

Reference

The proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Mega Project is facing continuous opposition from environmental activists and local communities of Arunachal Pradesh.

About Upper Siang Project

• This project is a proposed 11,000 MW hydropower project on the Siang River in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is being constructed by India's leading hydropower company 'National Hydroelectric Corporation (NHPC). 
• After construction, it will be India's largest hydropower project till date, whose official name is 'Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage' Project.
• The main objective of this project is to counter China's plan to divert the natural flow of water of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Yarlung Tsangpo flows as Siang in Arunachal and as Brahmaputra in Assam.
  • Apart from this, flood management in the Brahmaputra River is also its objective.
• According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will store 9 billion cubic metres of water.
• The huge reservoir created by the project will be able to meet the irrigation needs of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in case China diverts the flow of the river.

Other Hydroelectric Projects in Arunachal Pradesh

• Kameng Hydroelectric Project: On Kameng River (Tributary of Brahmaputra)
• Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project: On Subansiri River (Tributary of Brahmaputra)
• Siang Lower Hydroelectric Project: On Siang River (Tributary of Brahmaputra)
• Hirong Hydroelectric Project: On Siyom River (Tributary of Brahmaputra)

Reasons for opposition to the project

Most of the studies on hydropower projects in the Indian Himalayan region have focused on changes in social fabric; demographic changes; loss of forests, biodiversity and agricultural land as well as problems faced by local people. The current protests in Arunachal Pradesh are also centered around these issues.

Habitat destruction and displacement

• The proposed Siang Mega Dam Project may endanger the habitat of local communities.
• The project will lead to massive displacement leading to submergence of several villages of the Adi tribe, including the Upper Siang district headquarters of Yingkiong.

Environmental effect 

• The proposed project will lead to large-scale deforestation due to the excessive land requirement and will lead to carbon emissions.
• This project will negatively impact the ecosystem, wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
  • For example, hydropower projects in the state of Uttarakhand are aggravating the effects of climate change in mountainous regions, leading to cloudbursts and flash floods in recent years.

Economic Effect

The communities here have been dependent on these rivers for their livelihood, cultural practices etc. The proposed dam will have a negative impact on their lifestyle.

Social Impact

The displacement of tribes due to the proposed project will be social and local

Other examples of protests

• Due to indiscriminate construction of hydroelectric projects in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, hills are sliding, causing huge losses to the region.
  • In Himachal Pradesh, several local campaigns, including the 'Save Kinnaur Campaign' and 'No Means No', were launched to prevent further expansion of hydropower projects in the region.

Conclusion 

According to environmental organizations, the government should explore sustainable alternatives such as solar and wind power instead of further exploiting the rivers. Also, the government should support small and medium social enterprises for rights-based energy partnerships with indigenous people. Instead of mega-projects, the Indian government should explore alternative energy solutions that align with the state's unique ecological context.