Amid rising tensions over water resources between India and China, the construction of large dams on the Siang River has sparked significant opposition from local communities in Arunachal Pradesh. The Siang River, which flows through the northeastern state, is sacred to the Adi tribal community, and the ongoing plans to build the $13.2 billion Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, the largest dam in India, has led to fierce protests.
The dam, which is expected to generate 11,000 megawatts of electricity and store nine billion cubic meters of water, would submerge at least 20 villages and impact countless residents. While the project is framed by the government as a crucial measure for flood control and counteracting the disruptions caused by China’s damming projects on the Yarlung Zangbo River (known as the Brahmaputra in India), local communities argue that it threatens their livelihood and traditional way of life.
The issue of water control has become a geopolitical flashpoint between India and China, especially after China announced plans to build the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet. Indian authorities view this as a countermeasure to China’s growing dominance over the river’s flow, fearing that it could be used strategically in future conflicts.
Despite the government’s assurances, local protests against the Siang Dam have intensified, with villagers such as Gegong Jijong leading efforts to raise awareness about the devastating environmental and social consequences. Critics warn that the race for control over these rivers could destabilize the region, especially for downstream nations like Bangladesh, which depends heavily on the Brahmaputra for water resources.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of Indigenous communities in the region, who face displacement due to both domestic development projects and foreign geopolitical rivalries. With climate change exacerbating water scarcity and flooding, experts warn that such disputes over water resources could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability.
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