Arunachal CM says Siang project will not proceed without public consultation
Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated the government is currently only seeking cooperation for the project's Pre-Feasibility Report.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stated that the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) will not be implemented without consulting the public, according to the Times of India. He said the government is currently only seeking cooperation to complete the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the project.
Khandu said he is inviting the Adi Students' Union (AdiSU) and the youth wing of Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) for discussions. He clarified that the government is not currently discussing the construction of the dam, but is focused on the PFR stage.
The Chief Minister said a decision to proceed would only be made if the PFR establishes feasibility. He added that even if the project is viable, the government would consult residents according to legal provisions.
Khandu alleged that residents in Siang and Upper Siang districts are receiving misinformation about the project. He said he intends to visit the Siang region until the PFR process is finished to address concerns through direct engagement.
The proposed 11,200-megawatt project on the Siang river is being pursued by the Centre through NHPC. Members of the indigenous Adi community have opposed the project, citing potential village submergence, displacement, and environmental damage.
Protests regarding the project intensified in October, following demonstrations in late September and on October 23. The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum has proposed a peace committee to help facilitate dialogue between the government and opposing groups.