Arunachal Hydro Project Protests Escalate as Local Farmers Group Claims 67 Villagers Injured Protests against the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh turned tense, with a farmers forum claiming 67 villagers were injured during October 4 confrontations. Tensions surrounding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh have intensified following clashes during local survey exercises. The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum, which has been spearheading the demonstrations against the mega dam, stated on Tuesday that 67 villagers sustained injuries during confrontations on October 4. This statement follows earlier official reports indicating that eight police personnel were injured and five individuals, including two women, were taken into custody. Official confirmation or comments from the administration regarding the forum's figures are currently awaited. Breakdown of Casualties and Property Damage Across Villages Providing details on the extent of the harm, Likeng Libang, general secretary of the farmers forum, outlined that 31 out of the 67 injured suffered serious trauma, while 36 sustained minor wounds. Geographically, the organization reported that 52 demonstrators were hurt in Riga, whereas 15 others were injured in Pangkang. Alongside the physical harm to individuals, the forum alleged that eight vehicles belonging to families impacted by the proposed venture were damaged, with four vehicles affected in Riga and four in Pangkang. Furthermore, the forum highlighted another confrontation near the Siang Bridge at Dite Dime, which reportedly left seven individuals from Riew and Begging villages hurt. Among those seven, five residents were from Riew and two from Begging. One person from this encounter sustained grave injuries, while the remaining six suffered minor harm during the incident. The 11,000 MW Initiative and Regional Discontent The unrest centers on widespread resistance by native communities to the Preliminary Feasibility Report activities underway for the 11,000-MW initiative on the Siang River. Local populations directly affected by the planned infrastructure have demanded an immediate cessation of all survey operations and related fieldwork. Opposition throughout the Siang valley has remained consistent, with residents raising pressing concerns over the loss of ancestral land, threats to traditional livelihoods, forced displacement, ecological consequences, and the unpredictable effects of large-scale river water diversion. Government Stance and Future Procedural Steps Addressing the ongoing public unease, the state administration maintains that the ongoing Preliminary Feasibility Report is strictly an initial technical evaluation to examine project viability, rather than an authorized sign-off on actual dam construction. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stated that no definitive move toward physical construction will take place until comprehensive technical assessments, statutory public consultations, and mandatory legal procedures are completely finalized. However, regional groups continue to demand a complete pause until their apprehensions are formally resolved. What this means for you Growing resistance to pre-construction surveys for the major hydropower initiative in Arunachal Pradesh creates immediate disruptions for local residents and raises procedural questions for national infrastructure goals. • Across India: National renewable energy timelines for major green power capacity additions face delays when large river projects encounter public opposition. This prolongs policy discussions regarding ecological safeguards and community rehabilitation protocols. • In Arunachal Pradesh: Daily life and travel near Riga, Pangkang, and the Siang River corridor face tension and heightened security surveillance. Village residents confronting potential displacement and land loss continue to push for an outright freeze on technical survey operations. Why this happened The escalation occurred when authorities initiated groundwork for the Preliminary Feasibility Report of the 11,000-MW project, sparking fierce resistance from local indigenous communities. • Resistance to Survey Activities: Demonstrations intensified as technical teams conducted assessments for the Preliminary Feasibility Report along the Siang River. Local farmers groups demanded an immediate cessation, viewing the survey as an initial step toward irreversible construction. • Fears of Displacement and Ecological Harm: Indigenous villagers raised urgent alarms over losing agricultural lands, forest disruption, potential river diversion, and displacement. These grievances culminated in direct clashes across Riga, Pangkang, and near the Dite Dime bridge. • Communication Gap: Although Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that the report is merely a technical assessment and no construction will proceed without statutory consultations, mistrust between the affected populace and project planners sustains the unrest. Questions & Answers 1. How many people were reportedly injured in the October 4 clashes? The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum reported 67 injured villagers, while police had previously reported injuries to eight personnel. 2. What is the power capacity of the proposed Siang project? The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is planned with a capacity of 11,000 MW on the Siang River. 3. Why are local communities opposing the project? Local villagers are demonstrating against the project surveys due to fears of land loss, livelihood displacement, environmental destruction, and major water diversion. 4. What has Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated about the dam construction? Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that no construction decision will occur until all technical evaluations, legal procedures, and statutory consultations are complete. https://trendkia.com/en/arunachal-pradesh/arunachal-pradesh-men-prastavita-jalavidyuta-pariyojana-para-vivada-kisana-sngathana-ka-dava-67-gramina-ghayala-44087 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.