Itanagar: Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) on Thursday expressed solidarity with local communities opposing the proposed 11,000MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and urged the state and the Centre to immediately pause pre-feasibility survey and drilling activities in Siang and Upper Siang districts.In a statement issued by HRA chairperson Kipa Kaha, the rights body referred to recent protests in Uggeng and neighbouring areas, saying indigenous communities remained deeply concerned over the ecological and social impacts of the mega-hydropower initiative.“The Siang river is not merely a water body; it is the lifeline of Arunachal Pradesh, sustaining local agriculture, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and indigenous identity. Any developmental project affecting ancestral territories must respect human rights, dignity, and environmental safety,” Kaha said.The organisation outlined concerns regarding the project, emphasising the urgent need to safeguard tribal lands, homes, and traditional livelihoods from displacement. It also flagged seismic and environmental risks, citing potential ecological damage and heightened disaster threats in the fragile Himalayan region.HRA further highlighted a lack of transparency, citing the inaccessibility of project reports, missing environmental impact assessments, and unclear rehabilitation proposals for affected villagers.The rights group appealed directly to the Centre and the state govt to suspend ground operations where community opposition remains unresolved. It urged authorities to conduct comprehensive, independent geological and seismic risk evaluations while exploring smaller, decentralised hydropower alternatives instead of pursuing dam projects.HRA urged deputy CM Chowna Mein, who is also the hydropower minister, to intervene, de-escalate tensions, and establish a transparent dialogue mechanism with affected villagers.It also appealed to civil society bodies, including the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), Adi Students’ Union, and Abotani organisations, as well as elected representatives from the Siang belt, to engage with affected communities and convey their grievances to the authorities.“We do not oppose development, but we oppose projects that proceed without adequate consultation, environmental safeguards, and respect for indigenous rights,” the statement added.
