Arunachal’s Siang river turns muddy; might impact livelihood

The water in Arunachal’s Siang river has turned muddy, an indication of possible construction activity in upstream China, alarming people in the border state, officials said.

According to the officials in Pasighat, the headquarters of East Siang district, the river, which is the state’s principal waterway, changed its colour and turned turbid some three days ago.

“There is mud flowing in the water, which is unnatural given the fact that the region received no rain in the past few days. We are monitoring the situation with help from officials of the water resources department, East Siang Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tayi Taggu stated.

Fishermen and locals dependent on the river for agricultural purposes are worried over the sudden change of colour of Siang water.

“The heavy slag in the water may kill aquatic lives. Farmers draw water from the river, too. Also, our domestic animals drink water from the river. We are worried that this might impact livelihood of many,” Migom Pertin, a local at Pasighat, said.

The Siang River turns turbid again. pic.twitter.com/NW0SHEfj1d

— The Arunachal Times (@arunachaltimes_) November 9, 2022