Arunachal village agrees to pre-feasibility study for 11,000 MW Siang dam

Residents of Riga village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district have given their consent to the state government’s proposal for a pre-feasibility report (PFR) on the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, reported The Sentinel. The agreement was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed during a meeting between Chief Minister Pema Khandu and village representatives in Itanagar.

The support from Riga is being seen as a breakthrough, given that local opposition has stalled the proposed 11,000 MW project since 2017. Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing confirmed that residents have given their nod for the PFR.

The project has long been contested by local communities over concerns about displacement, livelihood loss, and environmental impact. The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), which has led the protests, said the move does not reflect the broader public opinion. SIFF president Lamok Padun claimed that only 25 per cent of Riga will be affected and alleged that the agreement was reached under pressure on BJP workers in the village.

The state government appears to be shifting its approach, focusing on dialogue and engagement with villagers rather than pushing ahead unilaterally. Officials say the PFR will help assess the project’s viability and consider affected stakeholders’ concerns.

According to Press Trust of India (PTI), Chief Minister Khandu said multiple hydropower projects with an investment of over Rs 1 trillion are currently underway in Arunachal Pradesh, with a combined target capacity of 18,000 MW. Of these, five projects with 2,620 MW capacity have been allocated to North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd (NEEPCO), five projects of 5,097 MW to SJVN, and two projects of 3,800 MW to the NHPC. 

Khandu said earlier projects were stalled under private developers, prompting the state to bring in central public sector undertakings. The state has since signed basin-wise agreements to revive and develop key hydroelectric projects.

He added that the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri project will begin generating power next year. A larger 2,880 MW project is also under development and will eventually be surpassed by the Dibang multipurpose hydroelectric project, scheduled for completion by 2032. Dibang will house the tallest dam in India, at about 288 metres.

Arunachal Pradesh has an assessed hydropower potential of 67,000 MW, yet most of it remains untapped. Beyond the major river basins such as Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Dibang and Lohit, several smaller rivers also offer strong potential for mini and small hydroelectric projects.