
Pangkang villagers sign MoU for Siang upper project amid local dissent
Amid resistance from nearby areas, residents of Pangkang village in Arunachal Pradesh signed a memorandum of understanding with the State government on Friday (May 23, 2025), paving the way for a pre-feasibility study on the proposed Siang Upper Multi-purpose Project (SUMP) in Boleng, Siang district.
A statement issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations described the agreement as a 'new beginning in community and government cooperation' aimed at exploring 'possible avenues for long-term local and regional prosperity along with national security.'
The Deputy Commissioner of Siang, P.N. Thungon, signed the agreement on behalf of the State Government, with Taba Tamut and Bakin Tali representing the villagers. The event was attended by the Minister for Panchayati Raj, Transport, and Cooperation, Ojing Tasing, and the Bharatiya Janata Party's State general secretary, Nalong Mize.
Mr. Thungon said the 11,000 MW project, if deemed viable and implemented, 'promises transformative benefits for the local community besides strategic defence and environmental resilience.'
According to the terms of the MoU, a development package of ₹5 crore is to be disbursed over three years for the enhancement of infrastructure, healthcare, and livelihood programmes for project-affected families. It also mandates stakeholder consultations as the project progresses.
Officials underscored the strategic significance of the SUMP, noting its role in counterbalancing China's extensive hydropower infrastructure on the Yarlung Tsangpo - the upstream segment of the Siang River in Tibet - while simultaneously offering economic empowerment and access to clean, sustainable energy to the local population.
'The villagers of Pangkang [also called Kumku] have shown incredible wisdom and maturity by deciding to cooperate with the government in the conduct of a pre-feasibility report for SUMP,' Mr. Thungon said. 'This is not only about power or water; it is about harnessing the potential of River Siang for the collective prosperity of the local area, the State, and the nation.'
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The timing aligns with Beijing's recent groundbreaking of the world's largest dam upstream on the Brahmaputra, initiating strategic water management in the Eastern Himalayas. A critical question emerges: will India's defensive dam strategy provide effective deterrence or exacerbate environmental vulnerabilities in this sensitive region. The timing is telling. Just days ago, China began work on what is expected to be the world's largest dam on the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River. India's own plans for a massive dam on the Siang — the river's name in Arunachal Pradesh, appear to be a strategic response. But the move raises a critical question. Can India's proposed dam act as a credible counter to China's project, or will it deepen environmental and social challenges in the fragile Eastern Himalayan region? "It (the Chinese dam) is going to cause an existential threat to our tribes and our livelihoods. 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However, experts argue that this may be true on an annual average — but not during the critical winter months, when Chinese-origin water dominates the flow. Could the Brahmaputra shrink? Though the Brahmaputra is often seen as a mighty and resilient river, the data reveals a more complex picture, especially during the dry winter months. As per internal documents related to India's proposed Siang Upper Middle Stage Project (SUMP), 84% of the Brahmaputra's water in Arunachal Pradesh between November and April originates in China. This raises serious concerns. If China diverts or controls the flow upstream through its new mega dam project on the Yarlung Zangbo, the river's volume downstream, especially in Upper Assam—could drop dramatically. In its early stretches, before tributaries join in, the Brahmaputra may shrink to a trickle, threatening the region's ecological balance and biodiversity. The looming presence of two massive dams—one on each side of the McMahon Line—adds urgency to the issue. Experts and locals alike are asking: What will happen to the river and the people who depend on it if both projects go ahead? Voices from the ground: Protests and fears In January, during a visit to the proposed dam sites in Arunachal Pradesh—Parong, Dite Dime, and Ugeng—a sense of fear and resistance was clearly visible. Villagers in Parong, which has around 125 families, voiced strong opposition. 'We are not just opposing the dam, we are against any feasibility studies being conducted here,' Tato Pabin, a local resident of Parong told ET. 'Our orange farms, which thrive in the low-lying areas along the river, will be completely wiped out," he added. Parong has emerged as the frontrunner site for the dam. The other two locations, Dite Dime and Ugeng, appear to have been dropped from active consideration, according to an official familiar with the project. Widespread impact on villages While a full assessment is still pending, initial estimates suggest that nearly 59 villages could be affected by the dam. Of these, at least 15 villages may require complete relocation. So far, only three villages—Pangkang, Riga, and Riew—have given their approval for the project. The rest remain either opposed or undecided, reflecting widespread apprehension in the region. Beyond the human and environmental cost, the proposed dam poses risks to vital infrastructure. A key stretch of road leading to the Tuting Advanced Landing Ground, a strategically important military airstrip near the China border, could be submerged if the project proceeds. This would force authorities to construct an alternative route at a higher elevation—a major logistical and financial undertaking—to maintain military and civilian access in this sensitive frontier zone. As both countries push forward with dam projects, the geopolitical and ecological stakes are higher than ever. Whether India's dam becomes a deterrent or a new source of conflict — or environmental damage — remains to be seen. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now