In a powerful show of dissent, hundreds of villagers from Geku Village gathered to protest against the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project on the Siang River, organized by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum. The protestors raised slogans against the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and the state government, voicing strong opposition to the preliminary studies being conducted in the area.

The mega dam project, aimed at countering China’s hydropower ambitions, has ignited deep concern among the local Adi community, who rely on the river for their livelihoods and cultural practices. Standing at a planned height of 300 meters and designed to generate between 10,000 and 12,000 megawatts of power, the dam is projected to create a reservoir holding an astonishing 10 billion cubic meters of water.

Since construction began in April 2009, the project has faced increasing scrutiny from local residents and environmental activists alike. While government officials argue that the dam is crucial for India’s energy security, the implications for the region’s ecology and the livelihoods of the Adi people are profound. The community fears that the dam will inundate not only agricultural land but also culturally significant sites, threatening their identity and way of life.

Activists highlight that the construction could severely disrupt local ecosystems, potentially leading to decreased biodiversity and altered water quality in the Siang River, which is a crucial habitat for various species. Concerns about the potential for natural disasters, particularly Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), have been amplified by scientific studies warning about the region’s vulnerability. The Northeast Human Rights organization has pointed out the risks associated with GLOFs, especially concerning the fragile South Lhonak Lake ecosystem.

The Adi community’s resistance is part of a larger movement among indigenous populations, who are increasingly vocal against large-scale infrastructure projects that jeopardize their lands and the ecological integrity of their surroundings. Despite the clear environmental risks highlighted by local activists and scientists, many feel their concerns are being overlooked by authorities focused on rapid development and energy production.

India’s ambitious plan to invest $1 billion in developing 12 hydropower stations in Arunachal Pradesh aims to facilitate regulatory clearances and local rehabilitation, but it raises significant questions about the balance between development and ecological preservation. The federal finance ministry has earmarked substantial financial aid for each project, but this funding does not mitigate the immediate environmental and social impacts faced by local communities.

As tensions mount, the villagers of Geku remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting their ancestral lands. They argue for a more inclusive dialogue that respects their rights and addresses the ecological consequences of such large-scale projects. The ongoing protests highlight a critical juncture where local ecological concerns and indigenous rights intersect with national energy strategies.

The opposition to the Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project not only underscores the community’s fears for their heritage and livelihoods but also raises essential questions about the ecological sustainability of large infrastructure developments. The outcome of this struggle will significantly influence both the future of the Siang River and the broader environmental landscape in Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that honors both development goals and the rights of indigenous populations.