India is advancing plans to build the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, a $13.2 billion hydro dam on the Siang River despite significant protests from local communities. Protesters claim the dam will submerge at least 20 villages, drastically impacting thousands of residents' lives and livelihoods. They view this move as governmental overreach that threatens their ancestral and sacred lands. The Bharatiya Janata Party government insists the dam is crucial for economic development and energy generation, intending to produce 11,000 megawatts, which is expected to be the highest capacity among Indian hydro projects.
"The government is taking over my home, our Ane Siang, and converting it into an industry. We cannot let that happen," said Jijong, the president of the Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum.
"Locals, however, warn that at least 20 villages will be submerged, and nearly two dozen more villages will partly drown, uprooting thousands of residents," showcasing the potential human cost.
Despite local protests, India is moving forward with a $13.2bn dam project on the Siang River, seen by locals as a threat to their sacred land.
The project is designed to generate more than 11,000 megawatts of electricity, thus reflecting India's intention to enhance its energy capacity against regional competition.
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