Siang Upper Multipurpose Project – Strategic Importance, Benefits and Environmental Concerns
31 October 2026
PRERNA FOR IAS
Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari
Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath
Siang Upper Multipurpose Project – Strategic Importance, Benefits and Environmental Concerns
1. Background and Recent Development: In October 2026, protests intensified against surveys for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh. Indigenous Adi communities expressed concerns over displacement, environmental damage and inadequate consultation.
2. Project Features: Developed by NHPC, the proposed project envisages approximately 11,200 MW of hydropower capacity and 9.2 billion cubic metres of water storage. It is located on the Siang River, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, which subsequently forms the Brahmaputra in Assam.
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Siang Upper Multipurpose Project: 11,200 MW hydropower plan in Arunachal Pradesh, its strategic value vs China's dam, Adi community concerns and ecological risks.
Keywords
Siang Upper Multipurpose ProjectArunachal PradeshAdi communityYarlung TsangpoNHPC hydropowerBrahmaputra water securityindigenous displacementEastern HimalayasPema Khanduenvironmental assessment