SUBANSIRI UPPER MULTIPURPOSE PROJECT (SUMP) AND PROTESTS AGAINST IT

On 21 July, 2023 the Government of Arunachal Pradesh approved the allotment of 2000 MW Subansiri Upper Multipurpose Project and 1800 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project to NHPC ltd. The Subansiri Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is located on the river Subansiri which is a tributary of river Brahmaputra in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. The commencement of the project is expected to begin in 2027 and will enter into commercial operation by 2031. It is currently at an announced stage.

Benefits of the project

The above project comes in view of the construction of a 60000 MW hydro plant by China in Medog county of Tibet which is only 30 KM from the international border with Arunachal Pradesh. The above project is to be constructed at the location of the Great Bend where the river Yarlung Tsangpo makes a dramatic turn to enter Arunachal Pradesh and Assam where it is known as Brahmaputra. The reports also suggest that the project has been planned with the aim of diverting the water of the Tsangpo affecting the flow downstream. This will result in lesser volume of water in the Brahmaputra thereby leading to a water crisis in the states of Northeast India and hampering agricultural and other essential livelihoods. In addition, such a situation will have a grave impact on the flora and fauna of these states. Hence, the construction of the recent series of hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh have quicken its pace in order to mitigate the effects of the Chinese hydro ambitions mentioned above.

The project is also significant in terms of providing employment opportunities as well as infrastructure development of the landlocked state. The dam is set to increase the water storage capacity of the country along with providing relief in occurrences of drought. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has exclaimed that the initiative will lead to the rapid economic development in the state accompanied by fulfilling the power needs of the State as well as the nation. Measures will be taken not only to generate power but also regulate water flow downstream which will allow the harnessing of the water for irrigation and fisheries purposes. Political leaders have claimed that this will also boost the tourism sector.

With increasing promotion of renewable sources of energy, this project is set to be the founding stone for the mass hydroelectricity projects in future. It is aimed at enforcing the various environment laws as well as complying with the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals to which India is a signatory. This is in reference particularly to Goal 7 which is the availability of affordable and clean energy accompanied by Goal 11 of building sustainable cities and communities.

Protests against the Subansiri multipurpose project

However, locals have engaged in protests against the construction of the hydropower project. On December 15, thousands of people assembled in the Siang district to raise voice against the setting up of the dam. Members of the indigenous Adi community have been particularly vocal against the project. Locals fear that the dam would lead to displacement and damage the environment. The Adi opposition primarily stems from the project’s adverse impact on wet rice cultivation fields. Along with it, there is also a likelihood of villages getting submerged.

The protest was organised by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum in Geku village notwithstanding the preliminary study being conducted in the area for the construction of the dam. NHPC has been conducting surveys at the proposed sites for the preparation of a feasibility report for the hydropower projects. Following the protests, the central government has deployed centre and state armed police forces to enable the conduction of surveys for the pre – feasibility report. The locals assert that the survey is a step towards the finality of the construction of the dam.

More than 350 individuals, groups, civil societies and environmentalists across the country have urged President Droupadi Murmu to withdraw paramilitary forces deployed for the commission of successful surveys for the SUMP project. They expressed concerns about not only the adverse impact on the environment but also the change in the demography of the region due to the possible inundation of outsiders which seems to be stirring fear among the locals.

Nonetheless, the Indian government seems determined to construct the dam especially after Chinese announcement to build the world’s largest dam in Tibet. There is reasonable apprehension in policy and strategic circles that Beijing might use the dam as a political weapon to curb the flow of water into India’s Northeast. Some military officers have termed the Chinese dam as a “water bomb” against India.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Subansiri project has the potential to drive economic growth and generate energy security for India, it also highlights the need to maintain delicate balance between development, environmental sustainability, and the protection of indigenous communities’ rights. Moving forward, it is essential for all stakeholders, including local communities, the government, and environmental organizations, to engage in meaningful dialogue to address concerns raised and ensure that the project’s benefits are maximized while mitigating its potential adverse impacts.