Siang Project Dispute: Hydropower, Indigenous Rights, and Geopolitics in Arunachal Pradesh
✍️ For UPSC GS Paper 1, 2, 3, 4 | Prelims + Mains | Ethics & Governance Case Studies
📍Context: Why in News?
Activists and indigenous farmers in Arunachal Pradesh have urged the Central Government to halt the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), citing the massive displacement of the Adi tribe, submergence of villages, environmental loss, and coercive tactics.
At the heart of the issue is China’s 60,000 MW Medog Hydropower Project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, the upper stream of the Siang-Brahmaputra River, which has been cited as a reason to fast-track India's 11,500 MW SUMP project.
📚 Relevance to UPSC Syllabus
Paper | Topic |
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GS Paper 1 | Indian Society – Tribal Issues; Geography – River Systems & Interlinking |
GS Paper 2 | Federalism, Governance, Civil Society, India-China Relations |
GS Paper 3 | Environmental Conservation, Infrastructure Development, Disaster Management |
GS Paper 4 | Ethics – Environmental Ethics, Human Rights, Conflict of Interest |
🔎 What is the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP)?
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A proposed 11,500 MW hydropower project on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.
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Part of a ₹1.13-lakh crore infrastructure plan, aimed at power generation and geopolitical deterrence.
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Criticised for:
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Submerging 27 villages
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Displacing 1.5 lakh+ members of the indigenous Adi tribe
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Affecting forest lands, farmlands, and sacred cultural sites
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🗺️ Geographic Background
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Siang River: Enters Arunachal Pradesh from Tibet (where it is called Yarlung Tsangpo).
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Joins Dibang and Lohit Rivers in Assam to form the Brahmaputra.
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China’s Medog Project is located in the Great Bend area of Yarlung Tsangpo — a seismically active and ecologically fragile zone.
🌏 Strategic & Geopolitical Concerns
India | China |
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Concerned about China diverting the Yarlung Tsangpo | Asserts Medog is a clean energy initiative |
SUMP seen as a defensive project | Plans to generate 60,000 MW in Tibet |
Possible impact on water flow to Assam & Bangladesh | No environmental transparency with India |
👥 Civil Society & Tribal Opposition
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The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) is leading the resistance.
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Allegations include:
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Coercion of village heads to sign feasibility agreements.
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Use of military presence to suppress dissent.
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Ignoring cultural and environmental concerns of tribal communities.
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👉 Ethics Angle: Is it justifiable to violate rights in the name of national security?
🌱 Environmental Concerns
Issue | Impact |
---|---|
Deforestation | Submergence of forests and biodiversity zones |
Displacement | 1.5 lakh+ people, mostly from Adi tribe |
River Ecology | Altered river flow, erosion, sedimentation in Brahmaputra |
Climate Risk | Siang Valley lies in a seismic zone, prone to landslides and floods |
🧾 Relevant UPSC PYQs (Past 8 Years)
❓GS Paper 1 – Society (UPSC 2023)
Q: Examine the challenges faced by tribal communities in India in protecting their cultural identity while being integrated into mainstream development.
➡️ Relevance: Adi tribe’s cultural heritage and habitat threatened by SUMP.
❓GS Paper 2 – Governance & Federalism (UPSC 2021)
Q: “Cooperative federalism is affected when states are bypassed in decision-making.” Comment.
➡️ Relevance: Arunachal villagers claim they were not consulted meaningfully by Centre.
❓GS Paper 3 – Environment & Disaster Management (UPSC 2020)
Q: What are the environmental implications of river interlinking projects? What strategies can ensure environmental sustainability?
➡️ Relevance: Siang project raises environmental alarm similar to large river interventions.
❓Prelims PYQ – 2022
Q: Consider the following statements:
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Yarlung Tsangpo is the upper stream of the Brahmaputra.
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It flows through India before entering Tibet.
✍️ Mains Model Questions
GS Paper 2 (250 words)
Q: The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project reflects the challenges of balancing strategic interests, tribal rights, and ecological concerns. Examine the role of cooperative federalism and participatory governance in resolving such disputes.
GS Paper 3 (150 words)
Q: Large-scale hydropower projects in ecologically sensitive zones often lead to irreversible damage. Discuss the need for Environmental Impact Assessments and community consultations in the context of Arunachal Pradesh.
🧠 Ethical Issues (GS Paper 4)
Ethical Theme | Case Insight |
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Conflict of Interest | Development vs. tribal displacement |
Rights vs. Utility | National security vs. cultural survival |
Coercion & Consent | Alleged pressure on village leaders |
Transparency & Accountability | Militarisation and lack of consultation |
Environmental Ethics | Long-term loss of biodiversity and sacred sites |
🔍 Keywords for Answer Writing
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Yarlung Tsangpo
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Indigenous Rights
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SUMP Project
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Medog Hydropower Station
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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
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Participatory Governance
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Cultural Displacement
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Ecological Fragility
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Seismic Zones
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River Diplomacy
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Transboundary Rivers
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Strategic Infrastructure
🏛 What Should Be Done?
✅ Way Forward for Policymakers
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Conduct fresh Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with tribal representation
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Mandate Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) under Forest Rights Act
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Promote alternative clean energy with less displacement
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Launch joint monitoring mechanism with China for transboundary rivers
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Balance national security with constitutional and ecological ethics
📢 Suryavanshi IAS Says:
“SUMP is not just a power project; it is a test of how India balances development, diplomacy, and dignity.”Let us prepare not just to crack UPSC but to serve India with insight and empathy.
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