Overview

• The Arunachal Pradesh government and Pangkang villagers signed an MoU to initiate a preliminary feasibility report (PFR) for the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
• The agreement includes a ₹5 crore development package over three years, overseen by a Village Development Committee to address infrastructure, healthcare, and livelihoods.
• Protests continue across Siang, East Siang, and Upper Siang districts, with villagers opposing the project over fears of displacement, ecological damage, and cultural loss.
• The deployment of Central Armed Police Forces to secure survey operations has intensified tensions, with protesters torching infrastructure and demanding force withdrawal.
• The SUMP is framed as a strategic counter to China’s 60,000 MW Yarlung Tsangpo dam, which raises concerns about water scarcity and flash floods downstream.