Arunachal’s Siang project controversy hits PM itinerary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh on September 22 is set to be closely watched, as the state Congress has raised serious objections over the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The project is a large-scale hydroelectric initiative planned on the Siang River, aiming to generate massive electricity for the region and beyond, but it has raised concerns over displacement, submergence of villages, and environmental risks in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The opposition party has announced it will submit a detailed memorandum to the PM, pressing for urgent intervention on multiple fronts, including the scrapping of the project.

According to the memorandum, the Congress is demanding a special financial package for Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), highlighting the pressing socio-economic challenges faced by the state. The party stressed that during the UPA regime, the state had received a Rs 24,000-crore development package, and it now seeks a similar comprehensive aid addressing healthcare, education, employment, border area development, agriculture, and climate resilience.

A central concern highlighted is the potential social and environmental impact of the Siang hydropower project. The Congress warned that the project could submerge 27 villages, displace over 1.5 lakh people, and severely damage fragile Himalayan ecosystems in a seismically active region. The memorandum also calls for halting all surveys and drilling, withdrawing paramilitary personnel from the site, and promoting alternative small and medium hydropower, solar, and community-based energy projects.

The party also questioned the powers granted under Article 371(H), which gives the governor discretionary authority over law and order. They argued that it undermines democratic governance and leaves Arunachal without adequate safeguards over land, forests, and resources. The memorandum appeals for constitutional parity with other northeastern states like Nagaland and Mizoram to prevent centralisation of power and protect the state’s resources.

Key demands in the memorandum:

• Scrapping of the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

• Immediate halt to surveys, drilling, and withdrawal of paramilitary personnel from project sites

• Promotion of alternative small, medium hydropower, solar, and community energy solutions

• Special financial package for healthcare, education, employment, and border area development

• Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and amendment of Article 371(H) for better local safeguards

The Congress reiterated that these are not merely political issues but critical matters affecting the survival, dignity, and future of Arunachal Pradesh. With PM Modi’s visit just days away, the state’s leadership hopes these demands will be addressed urgently to safeguard both the people and the fragile Himalayan environment.