International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Siang Hydro Politics: Strategic Deterrence and Human Rights at the Crossroads of Development

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, located in the geopolitically significant Siang River Basin of Arunachal Pradesh, represents a convergence of development planning, strategic policy, and environmental governance in a region marked by transboundary water dynamics. Framed within the context of India's Operation Sindoor and broader concerns over China’s upstream infrastructure activities on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the project is viewed by policymakers as a component of India’s hydrological preparedness and regional infrastructure strategy. This paper explores the multifaceted implications of the project, with particular attention to its environmental, developmental, and human rights dimensions. While the initiative is projected to contribute significantly to regional economic growth and energy generation in the coming decade, it also raises questions about ecological sustainability, displacement, and the preservation of indigenous cultural and natural heritage. The deployment of security forces in the project region, though aligned with national security considerations, has generated debates around civilian engagement, transparency, and the balance between development and local consent. The study draws on interdisciplinary perspectives from political ecology, human geography, and international relations to assess how domestic priorities and cross-border water concerns intersect in shaping river basin politics. Ultimately, the paper aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the Siang project, highlighting both its strategic rationale and the importance of inclusive, environmentally responsible policymaking in sensitive ecological zones. Keywords: Siang River, Hydropower Development, Environmental Governance, Indigenous Communities, Transboundary Water Politics