Guwahati: Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) intensified in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang and East Siang districts on Wednesday, with demonstrators blocking roads, clashing with security personnel and allegedly vandalising the residence of a local legislator during Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s visit to Yingkiong.

The protests were directed against the government’s move to conduct a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) survey for the 11,000-12,500 MW project and the deployment of central paramilitary forces in project-affected areas.

Protesters demanded an immediate halt to survey activities and the withdrawal of security forces from the affected areas.

The agitation disrupted movement along the Yingkiong-Komkar-Geku stretch and towards Dite Dime, where protesters erected blockades at several locations.

Tensions escalated after protesters entered the residence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang in Yingkiong and allegedly vandalised the premises while raising anti-dam slogans. Several government vehicles were also reportedly damaged, while a police vehicle was set ablaze near Dite Dime.

Security personnel intercepted protest rallies at some locations, leading to scuffles.

Protesters also restricted movement outside a hotel where Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, ministers Ojing Tasing and Nyato Dukam, and Chief Minister’s adviser Ninong Ering were reportedly staying, affecting their movement to scheduled programmes.

Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo, however, said Khandu completed his scheduled official meeting in Yingkiong before leaving the district by helicopter.

The latest unrest came two days after villagers clashed with security personnel at Geku. Government vehicles were damaged during the September 28 confrontation, and four people were detained before being released.

Opposition to the PFR has continued in Geku, Komkar and adjoining areas, where villagers have blocked roads to prevent machinery from reaching proposed survey locations.

The indigenous Adi community opposing the project have raised concerns over possible displacement, loss of ancestral and customary land, livelihoods, cultural identity and environmental consequences if the project eventually goes ahead.

The SUMP is estimated to affect at least 100,000 residents who face the risk of being uprooted. Concerns have also been raised over the environmental impact of construction activities on the Siang river.

The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), one of the organisations spearheading the opposition, declined an invitation for talks during Khandu’s September 29-30 visit and sought direct dialogue with affected communities.

Khandu, meanwhile, has maintained that conducting the PFR does not amount to approving construction of the project and is intended only to establish its technical feasibility.

The chief minister said the exercise, expected to take around three months, would determine whether the project is technically feasible and identify possible locations and technical parameters.

He said subsequent processes, including social and environmental impact assessments, preparation of a detailed project report and public consultations, would depend on the PFR findings.

Khandu also said people had a democratic right to oppose the project and question the government, but maintained that protests should not involve the destruction of public or private property.

The state government has constituted an Empowered High-Level Committee headed by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing to coordinate and oversee the PFR process.

The protests have also unfolded against the backdrop of developments involving hydropower projects in the wider region.

In December 2024, China approved the construction of what will be the world’s biggest hydropower dam on the eastern rim of the Tibetan plateau. The approval triggered concerns about the impact of the project, which could affect millions of people downstream in India and Bangladesh.

Power Construction Corp of China estimated the cost of the dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo at 137 billion dollar and said it could generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually.

The project would produce three times more energy than China’s Three Gorges Dam, currently the world’s largest, with an installed capacity of 88.2 billion kWh.