Siang Dam will be built despite protests, claims BJP MP Tapir Gao

Amidst heavy protests against the construction of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh, a BJP MP has claimed that the dam will be built under any circumstances. While addressing students of Indira Gandhi Government College in Tezu, Lohit district, BJP MP from Arunachal East, Tapir Gao, stated that this dam will become a reality 'today or tomorrow', even if it takes another generation.

According to a Hindustan Times report, Tapir Gao clarified that the project will be constructed by any means. He added that if it is not built in our generation, the Government of India will certainly build it in the future. The MP further stated that people should understand that this project does not belong only to the Arunachal Pradesh government or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but was declared a national project by the government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2008.

Commenting on the protests, the MP said that political opportunists are encouraging these demonstrations instead of genuine protests from local communities. Referring to the violence that occurred in Pasighat on October 23, he criticised the vandalism and attacks on private properties carried out by students under the banner of 'Gen Z'. Gao stated that 92 people have been arrested in this matter and arrest proceedings may be initiated against more than 100 others, while detained minors have been released.

On the other hand, following this statement, the Adi Ba Keng United (ABKU) has written a letter to Commissioner (East) Amjad Taq, questioning the government's contradictory stance. The organisation pointed out that Chief Minister Pema Khandu has repeatedly assured that the dam will not be built without the consent of the affected communities, while the MP and other elected representatives are insisting on the implementation of the project. ABKU asked whether the people of the area affected by the Siang Dam should trust the Chief Minister or the MP, ministers, or MLAs. The organisation warned that if a satisfactory clarification is not received, they will not respond to any invitation for dialogue on the dam issue in the future.

Numerous organisations and communities are protesting this mega dam due to concerns over displacement, environmental damage, and the protection of ancestral lands in the Siang Valley. The demonstrations in Pasighat on October 23 turned violent, with incidents of arson and vandalism of government institutions and private properties. However, the state government maintains that no final decision has been taken regarding the construction of the dam and currently, only the process of preparing the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) is underway. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has emphasised the need to consult with affected communities before moving the project forward.

The Congress party has also raised questions over the silence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on this issue. According to the party, there is widespread concern regarding the displacement of more than 1.5 lakh members of the Adi community and more than 27 villages, the submergence of ancestral lands, loss of cultural identity, and environmental consequences due to this proposed dam on the Siang river. Despite public protests, Congress has sought answers regarding consent, rehabilitation, compensation, and livelihood security against the decision to prepare the Pre-Feasibility Report.