In a move aimed at countering China's growing influence in the region, India is accelerating the development of a massive hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh.
The dam, planned for the Siang upper valley, is set to become the nation's largest, with an estimated capacity to generate 10-12 gigawatts (GW) of power. This ambitious undertaking is projected to cost around Rs 1 trillion.
The project has been prioritized in response to China's construction of the 60 GW Motong hydropower station on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. This Chinese project has raised concerns in India, as the Yarlung river feeds into the Brahmaputra, known as the Siang in Arunachal Pradesh.
Studies indicate that the Motong dam could potentially reduce water flow to India by up to 80 percent, posing significant risks to water security and raising fears of China weaponizing water resources.
The Indian government has framed the Siang upper valley dam as a three-pronged initiative focused on flood management, water flow correction, and power generation. The state-owned hydropower company NHPC has been tasked with developing detailed project reports and feasibility studies.
Recent approvals by the Union Cabinet for over Rs 16,000 crore in funding for hydropower projects and infrastructure in the Northeast indicate a strong commitment to fast-tracking the project.
However, the project faces challenges, including opposition from local communities. Concerns have been raised about the dam's potential ecological impact and the displacement of tribal lands and communities.
Local reports suggest that NHPC has faced difficulties in gathering data due to resistance from residents worried about the project's effects on aquatic ecosystems and their livelihoods.
Despite these challenges, the government maintains that the Siang dam is crucial for national security and mitigating the risks posed by the Chinese Motong project.
The dam is expected to moderate floods, ensure water security, and counter the potential diversion of 40 billion cubic meters of water by China. Additionally, it is expected to provide much-needed power, with 12 percent of the generated energy allocated to Arunachal Pradesh.
