Siang Upper Project: Multipurpose Hydropower – Arunachal Pradesh

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Why in News?

NHPC’s 11.2 GW Siang Upper Project in Arunachal Pradesh faces delays due to local protests over displacement, prompting efforts to fast-track site selection amid strategic concerns near China border.

Description:

Key Facts:

  • Location: Upper Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Capacity: Proposed 11,000 MW — among India’s largest hydropower projects
  • Executing Agency: NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation)

Purpose:

  • Strategic necessity: Counter China’s proposed 60,000 MW dam on Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.
  • Water security: Ensure year-round natural flow in the Siang River and regulate floods from sudden Chinese releases.

Concerns:

  • Displacement: Estimated to affect over 1,00,000 local residents.
  • Environmental impact: Potential harm to river ecology and forest landscapes.

About Siang River:

  • Originates as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, becomes Siang (Dihang) in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Joined with Lohit and Dibang in Assam to form the Brahmaputra.
  • Flows further into Bangladesh as Jumna, then merges with Padma and Meghna, draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Cultural Aspect: Region is home to Adi tribes, whose livelihoods and cultural ties are deeply linked to the Siang River.

NHPC Limited (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), established in 1975 under the Companies Act, is a Mini Ratna Category-I PSU under the Ministry of Power. Headquartered in Faridabad, it has an authorized share capital of ₹15,000 crores. NHPC focuses on hydroelectric power development, along with wind, tidal, and small hydro projects. It handles planning, execution, and maintenance of power projects, explores new sites, engages in R&D, and sells electricity through long-term PPAs to state and private DISCOMs.
Siang Upper Project

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/as-protests-hit-upper-siang-project-nhpc-to-fast-track-selection-of-site-10057472

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