Congress Questions Union Minister on Siang Upper Multipurpose Project Concerns

The Congress party in Arunachal Pradesh has raised significant concerns regarding Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's silence on the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. They argue that the proposed hydropower initiative threatens the rights and livelihoods of the indigenous Adi community, with fears of displacement and cultural loss. The party is demanding clarity from Rijiju on this pressing issue, while also criticizing local BJP representatives for their support of the project. As tensions rise, the Congress emphasizes the need for public consultation and respect for indigenous rights amidst national security discussions. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle between development and community rights in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 12:01 IST

Opposition Raises Alarm Over Hydropower Project

A file image of an earlier protest against Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. (AT photo)

Itanagar, Nov 10: The Congress party in Arunachal Pradesh has expressed its concerns regarding Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's lack of response to significant issues affecting the state, particularly the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

The party has urged Rijiju to clarify his stance on the hydropower initiative on the Siang river, which they claim has caused considerable distress among local indigenous populations.

State Congress spokesperson Kon Jirjo Jotham emphasized, "While advice for the Opposition can be postponed, the people of Siang deserve immediate answers," referencing Rijiju's recent social media comments aimed at Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

In a post dated November 4, Rijiju suggested that for Congress to increase its parliamentary representation, Gandhi should prioritize domestic engagements over meetings with individuals perceived as "anti-India."

The Congress party highlighted that over 27 villages and more than 150,000 members of the Adi community could face threats of displacement, loss of ancestral lands, cultural identity, and environmental degradation due to the project.

They questioned the rationale behind advancing the pre-feasibility report (PFR) process despite significant public dissent and unresolved issues regarding consent, rehabilitation, compensation, and livelihood security.

While recognizing Arunachal Pradesh's strategic significance in light of China's infrastructure developments on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, the Congress argued that national security should not override the necessity for public consultation and the rights of indigenous peoples.

The party also demanded Rijiju address China's ongoing claims over Arunachal Pradesh, including the renaming of locations and border disputes in the Taksing-Maza and Longju areas.

Additionally, they criticized BJP MP Tapir Gao from Arunachal East for endorsing the mega dam project, accusing him of neglecting the concerns of the Adi community that would be impacted.

The Congress party took issue with Gao's assertion that "dam banna hai" or the dam will be constructed, questioning the commitment of an elected representative to advocate for the rights of his constituents amidst opposition.

"Is NHPC more important than the Adi people?" the party questioned, voicing their apprehensions regarding the reported deployment of security forces, police actions, and the detention of protesters against the project.