In the remote but ecologically rich parts of Arunachal Pradesh, a strong protest is taking shape. Many of the villagers are from indigenous groups, that have lived in harmony with nature for generations. They are speaking out against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), which is a huge dam project, that they say threatens not only their homes, but also their way of life.

The SUMP is being pushed forward with promises of making energy and improving the region. It is expected to be one of the biggest hydropower projects in India. For the people, who live in the Siang River basin, however, the project could be very bad. It could flood whole villages, mess up the delicate ecosystem of the Himalayas, and force thousands of people to move without giving them enough time to talk about it or give their permission.

Why Are Locals Protesting?
This is a protest because people are very worried about the damage to the environment and the loss of jobs. The proposed dam will change the natural flow of the Siang River in a big way. The Siang River flows into the Brahmaputra River and helps with farming, fishing, and wildlife in the area.

The Siang is more than just a river to the people of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a sacred body that is important to their culture and economy. Building a dam could cause landslides, make the Himalayan belt even more vulnerable to earthquakes, and put at risk rare plants and animals that are only found in that area.

Also, villagers have been upset that there hasn't been enough communication with nearby communities. A lot of people say they weren't told enough about the project's size, and effects, and their concerns weren't considered when it was being planned.

A Larger Fight for Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice

The #ProtestAgainstSUMP isn't just about one dam; it's a sign of growing concern across the country and around the world about the rights of indigenous people and the damage that unchecked development does to the environment. The villagers' refusal to give in shows a very important truth, building projects should not disregard local opinions, cultural heritage or environmental safety.

It might be a big mistake to ignore the environmental and social costs of such a big project right now, when climate change is making natural disasters worse and people around the world are becoming more aware of the need to be more environmentally friendly.

How You Can Help
People in Arunachal Pradesh are protecting their land, their rights and their future. They can't do it by themselves, though. Making people more aware is the first thing that needs to be done to hold policymakers and businesses responsible. Spread the word. Talk. Use the hashtag #ProtestAgainstSUMP to join the movement online and call for a more fair and long-lasting way to develop.