Siang Upper Multipurpose Project Is Mainly About Water Storage, Says Arunachal Deputy CM
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said on Monday that the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is primarily meant to store and manage water in the Siang basin, with power generation as a secondary aim. He made the remarks in the context of concerns over China’s proposed mega dam on the same river upstream.
Mein, who also holds the power and hydropower portfolios, posted his comments on X. The project, however, continues to face opposition from local communities, and no final decision on building it has been taken.
Quick answers
- What is SUMP? A proposed large dam on the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh, billed as one of the biggest hydropower projects planned in the state.
- What did Mein say? That SUMP is mainly for water storage and regulation, and that power generation is secondary.
- Who will build it? The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
- Has construction been approved? No. Mein said a final decision has not been taken.
- Who opposes it? Local residents of the Siang region.
How does Mein compare SUMP with China’s Medog project?
Mein said comparing SUMP with the reported 60,000 MW Medog project in China should not rest on power capacity alone. According to the figures he cited:
| Medog Dam (China) | SUMP (Arunachal Pradesh) | |
|---|---|---|
| Reported capacity | 60,000 MW | 11,200 MW |
| Primary purpose | Hydropower generation | Storing, regulating and managing water, alongside power |
| Estimated head | Around 2,000 metres | Not stated |
| Storage | 5.5 billion cubic metres | About 9.2 billion cubic metres (live storage) |
| Dam height | Not stated | Around 280-300 metres |
These are Mein’s figures, and the Medog numbers are described as reported or estimated. We have not independently verified them.
His argument is that SUMP’s live storage is larger than Medog’s, and that it is designed for a different job. The point of the comparison, he said, is purpose rather than megawatts.
Why does the storage matter to Mein’s case?
The concern behind the debate is the possibility of sudden releases or extreme flows from upstream. Mein said SUMP’s storage could help regulate downstream discharge in such an event and reduce flood risk in the Siang basin, in downstream areas of Arunachal Pradesh and in Assam.
In his words, power generation is “secondary” to the storage and water-regulation role. He framed the project as protecting the river basin and the communities living along the Siang and its tributaries.
Why do locals oppose it?
Residents of the Siang region have been protesting the project. Their demands, as reported, include:
- An immediate halt to ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities and survey work
- Withdrawal of security forces deployed in areas likely to be affected
The government’s position is that the project, which it describes as an 11,000 MW undertaking, would drive economic and social growth, create jobs and self-employment for young people, and strengthen water and energy security for the state and the country.
What stage is the project at?
Mein stressed that the project has not reached the stage of a final construction decision. He described the PFR as only an initial assessment of whether the project is technically feasible and whether it can be developed safely. Several stages of studies, consultations and statutory clearances would have to be completed before any decision is made.
What we don’t know yet?
- Independent expert assessment of whether SUMP’s storage could actually buffer a sudden upstream release
- Details of the likely displacement or environmental impact
- The timeline for completing the PFR
- How the affected communities will respond to Mein’s latest statement
Frequently asked questions
What is the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project?
- It is a proposed large dam on the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh, to be executed by NHPC, with a stated capacity of 11,200 MW and about 9.2 billion cubic metres of live storage.
What did Chowna Mein say about the project?
- He said SUMP is primarily about storing and regulating water, that power generation is secondary, and that it is meant to protect the Siang basin and communities along its tributaries.
How is SUMP different from China’s Medog project?
- According to Mein, Medog is designed mainly for power generation with a head of around 2,000 metres, while SUMP is designed mainly for water storage and regulation.
Has the SUMP been approved for construction?
- No. Mein said the project has not reached a stage where a final decision has been taken, and that the PFR is only an initial assessment.
Why are people protesting?
- Local residents have demanded an immediate stop to PFR and survey work and the withdrawal of security forces from areas likely to be affected.
