"Fresh Protests Erupt in Arunachal’s Upper Siang Over Mega Dam Survey; Protestors Torch Bridge to Block CAPF Entry", 23 May 2025

Tensions flared in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district today as fresh protests erupted against the proposed 11,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The situation turned volatile when angry villagers torched a key hanging bridge connecting Boleng and Beging to block the entry of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) at the site to help the NHPC officials carry out surveys and preliminary studies required for the Pre-Feasibility Report, a critical step before any environmental clearance or project design finalisation.

Project Affected Families (PAF), under the banner of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) have begun an indefinite dharna and peaceful protest at the Begining Dam Survey site, strongly opposing what they allege is a forceful and unauthorised pre-feasibility survey being carried out by NHPC limited. Protests are also being held in Siang, East Siang, Upper Siang districts of Geku, Jengging, Yingkiong, Boleng, and Pasighat where security personnel from ITBP, IRBn and Arunachal Pradesh Police have been deployed to assist NHPC officials in carrying out the contentious survey. It was mentioned here that SIFF have been opposing the dam project citing no formal consent, lack of awarness programs, and a complete absence of community engagement. It said that the project affects about 27 families in the area.

..SIFF President Lamok Padum said, "No consent was given for the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) and emphasised the need for immediate government interventions. This is not just a development issue. It's about our land, identity, and future..