Syllabus: GS-III & V: Development 

Why in the News

The Government of India and the Arunachal Pradesh state government have signed a MoU for a special development package targeting the Siang Region (Siang & Upper Siang districts).
This package is being done as a pre-investment activity for the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a mega hydroelectric project in the Brahmaputra/Siang basin.

The Siang Basin forms a crucial part of the Brahmaputra River system in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Siang River, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, enters India near Gelling in Upper Siang district, where it is called the Siang in Upper reach and Dihang in lower reach.
After entering Assam, the Siang joins with Dibang River and Lohit River and together, they form the mighty Brahmaputra near Sadiya.
India is planning to construct a major barrage on the Siang River as a safeguard against the impact of a large dam that China is building on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.

Geographical Features

Location: Predominantly in Arunachal Pradesh, flowing through Upper Siang, East Siang, and Siang districts.
Catchment Area: Covers nearly 251,521 sq. km, of which about 11,123 sq. km lies in Arunachal Pradesh.

Major Tributaries in Arunachal Pradesh

• Siyom River – Originates in West Siang district; one of the largest tributaries of Siang.
• Yamne River – Flows through East Siang, joins near Pasighat.
• Simang River – Smaller tributary, also joins near Pasighat.
• Sido River – Joins the East Siang district.
• Sike River – A local tributary merging near East Siang.
• Taro Tamak River – Originates in Upper Siang district, contributes significantly.
• Ringong River – Another Upper Siang tributary.
• Pagin River – Local tributary flowing through the Siang region.

Key Highlights of the MoU

• Livelihood Development: The package will support animal husbandry, piggery, fisheries, poultry, horticulture, handloom, bamboo, eco-tourism, and beekeeping, ensuring diversified income sources for local communities.
• Infrastructure Creation & Upgradation: New facilities and upgradation of existing ones such as common facility centres, craft-based resource centres, marketing hubs, urban haats, emporia, and raw material depots.
• Branding & Marketing of Local Products: Emphasis on creating a market identity for local crafts, bamboo-based goods, and indigenous textiles to ensure greater market penetration.
• Community Engagement: The package builds on growing local support for the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project. For instance, over 85% households in Begging village and 62% in Riew village have pledged support for pre-feasibility studies.
• Capacity of SUMP: The multipurpose project is planned with an installed capacity of about 11,000 MW, making it one of India’s largest hydropower initiatives.
• Financial Support in Villages: Development packages worth around ₹5 crore are being rolled out in villages over three years to strengthen health, infrastructure, and livelihoods as part of pre-project groundwork.
• Institutional Involvement: Central, state, and district-level officials are actively engaged to ensure proper coordination.

Significance of the MoU

• Inclusive Development: Improves infrastructure, income generation, and quality of life in a remote and underdeveloped region.
• Strategic Preparation for SUMP: Prepares communities for large-scale hydro projects and ensures they benefit rather than lose from development.
• Economic Upliftment: Creates jobs, improves incomes, and promotes eco-tourism and crafts, reducing dependence on traditional subsistence activities.
• Cultural Recognition: Local products will gain stronger branding, ensuring cultural identity and heritage preservation.
• Trust-Building: By involving villagers through MoUs and livelihood programmes, the government seeks to reduce resistance and build consensus.
• Sustainability Potential: Focus on bamboo, eco-tourism, and fisheries can support balanced growth if implemented carefully.

Challenges & Points to Watch

• Environmental Concerns: Large dams in seismic zones raise risks of biodiversity loss, landslides, and displacement.
• Resettlement Issues: Local communities may face relocation; fair and transparent rehabilitation is critical.
• Community Resistance: Earlier opposition showed the need for continuous engagement and combating misinformation.

Conclusion

The special development package for the Siang region marks a critical step in linking infrastructure development with community well-being. By investing in livelihoods, infrastructure, and trust-building before the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project begins, the government seeks to create a model of inclusive and preparatory development.
Its success will depend on transparent execution, environmental safeguards, and meaningful community participation, ensuring that Arunachal’s strategic and ecologically sensitive Siang region moves toward sustainable growth.

Mains Practice Question

Q. “The special development package for the Siang region of Arunachal Pradesh, signed through a Centre–State MoU, reflects India’s attempt to balance infrastructure development with community well-being.” Discuss the key highlights and significance of this MoU. (150 words/10 marks)