Protests Against Arunachal Hydro Project Lead to Vandalism and Road Blocks

Protests against a massive hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh turned violent on Wednesday as demonstrators blocked roads, clashed with security personnel, and vandalised a local politician's home. The unrest broke out in the East Siang district during Chief Minister Pema Khandu's visit to Yingkiong, driven by fierce opposition to the proposed over 10,000-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and survey work being done for it.

Unrest and Clashes

Demonstrators gathered to oppose central paramilitary forces being sent in for pre-feasibility report surveys, demanding an immediate stop to the work and the removal of security forces. Protesters moved into the home of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang in Yingkiong, damaging the premises while shouting anti-dam slogans. Several government vehicles were ruined, and a police vehicle was set on fire near Dite Dime. Road blockades disrupted travel along the Yingkiong-Komkar-Geku stretch and towards Dite Dime. Protesters also blocked the area outside a hotel housing Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, ministers Ojing Tasing and Nyato Dukam, and the chief minister's advisor Ninong Ering, stopping them from attending planned events. Upper Siang deputy commissioner Ashok Tajo stated that Chief Minister Khandu managed to finish his official meeting in Yingkiong before leaving by helicopter.

Background and Government Stance

Opposition to the dam centers on fears that at least 100,000 residents could lose their homes and land, alongside heavy environmental risks to the Siang river. The Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum is leading the pushback, having refused an invitation for talks during a late September visit. Wednesday's chaos followed a clash between villagers and security personnel at Geku on September 28, where four people were briefly detained and government vehicles were damaged. Chief Minister Khandu defended the survey, stating it only checks if the project is technically possible and takes about three months, with further steps depending on its findings. While acknowledging the right to protest democratically, Khandu condemned the destruction of public and private property. The state government has set up a committee led by Ojing Tasing to oversee the survey process.

Context

Large infrastructure projects in remote Himalayan regions often face intense local resistance due to fears of displacement and environmental damage to fragile river ecosystems. Arunachal Pradesh shares sensitive trans-border river basins with China, where upstream dam building has added urgency to local water and energy debates. Government surveys are standard early steps to test if a project is viable before any final decisions are made on building it.