Siang Mega Dam, China Threat & Pasighat Clashes: Why Arunachal Pradesh Is On BoilIndia has proposed the 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh to counterbalance China's construction of a 60,000 MW mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. While the government contends that a large reservoir is vital for water security and managing river flows downstream, local communities are strongly opposing the pre-feasibility surveys.
Indigenous Adi youth fear submergence of up to 40 villages, loss of agricultural land, and disruption of their traditional way of life. The escalating standoff turned violent on October 23, resulting in arson at an NHPC office and a police station in Pasighat, leaving over 40 police personnel injured.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the violence, assuring that the project will advance only through public consensus.