Philosophical Psychological Approach to Understand the Indigenous Perspectives on the Proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

Large-scale development projects in ecologically sensitive and culturally significant regions often create tensions between national development goals and indigenous rights. The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh has generated intense debates among policymakers, scholars and local communities. While the project is expected to produce approximately 11,000 MW of electricity and support flood control and water security, indigenous communities especially the Adi and other tribes have raised strong objections due to concerns regarding displacement, ecological damage and cultural loss. Reports suggest that the reservoir could submerge several villages and affect the livelihoods of thousands of people living in the Siang basin. Beyond environmental and economic considerations, the opposition to the mega-dam reflects deeper philosophical and psychological dimensions related to indigenous identity, cultural values and human–nature relationships. Indigenous societies often perceive rivers not merely as natural resources but as sacred entities embedded within cosmological beliefs and social systems. For example, many Adi people refer to the Siang River as “Aane Siang,” meaning “Mother River,” symbolizing a spiritual and ecological connection with their environment. This research article employs a philosophical-psychological framework to examine the perceptions of indigenous communities regarding the Siang dam project. Drawing on environmental philosophy, ecological psychology  and indigenous knowledge systems, the study explores how cultural identity, collective memory and existential attachment to land shape local resistance. The research further analyzes the psychological impacts of perceived threats to land, culture and livelihoods. By integrating theoretical perspectives and qualitative insights, the article argues that indigenous resistance is not merely political activism but a manifestation of deeper philosophical worldviews and psychological responses to existential insecurity. The findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive policy frameworks that recognize indigenous epistemologies and psychological well-being when planning large-scale infrastructure projects in borderland regions.