Ukhrul, October 29: A 12-hour bandh was observed on Tuesday, October 28 across Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district, called by the All Upper Subansiri District Students Union in collaboration with the All Tagin Students Union and other local groups. Protesters demanded the permanent cancellation of the 1,650 MW Subansiri Upper Hydro Project, citing threats to the region’s environment, culture, and livelihoods.
The project is among several hydropower schemes in Arunachal Pradesh, initially allotted to private developers over 15 years ago but later handed to central PSUs such as NEEPCO, SJVN, and NHPC after prolonged delays. In August 2023, Power Commissioner Ankur Garg signed agreements with these PSUs for 12 projects totalling 11,523 MW.
Also read | Full Speech of Th. Muivah, Ato Kilonser and Chief Political Negotiator, NSCN/GPRN, at Senapati
Locals allege a lack of consultation and warn of “disastrous consequences” for their ancestral lands and fragile ecosystems. Over a hundred scientists have also opposed the proposed Upper Siang Dam, cautioning that it could destabilize the eastern Himalayas and erode the Adi people’s traditional ecological knowledge.
India’s hydropower drive gained momentum after the 2019 decision to classify large hydro projects as renewable energy, followed by a Rs. 350 billion allocation in the 2023–24 Budget to support the green transition and energy security.
Defending the projects, Chief Minister Pema Khandu cited China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) River. “The Siang and Brahmaputra could dry up considerably once the dam is completed,” he warned. “It’s going to cause an existential threat to our tribes and livelihoods. Suppose they suddenly release water, our entire Siang belt would be destroyed.” He emphasized that India’s projects are essential for both energy generation and national security.
China, however, maintains that its dams “will not adversely impact the water resources, ecology, or geology of downstream countries,” citing rigorous safety and environmental studies.
Meanwhile, villagers in Lower Siang—including Gengi, Siberite, Tango, Ditten, Ossumpuri, and Durpai—continue to protest NHPC’s bid to commission three 250 MW units of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, accusing the company of violating compensation agreements and unlawfully acquiring 2,041 hectares of land.
Despite years of agitation, NHPC announced on Friday, October 24 the successful wet commissioning of Unit-I (250 MW) of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Project—marking a major milestone in India’s hydropower expansion. “With the successful wet commissioning of Unit 1, synchronization with the national grid begins; soon to be followed by three more 250 MW units—adding 1,000 MW this year,” NHPC posted on X. “Once completed, the Subansiri Lower HEP (8×250 MW) will stand as India’s largest hydroelectric powerhouse, lighting millions of homes and driving the nation’s energy security and sustainable progress.” The post added.