Pema Khandu Says No Force for Siang Dam Project

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ITANAGAR, September 29: 

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday began his two-day tour of Siang and Upper Siang districts, amid continuing concerns and opposition from sections of local communities over the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Khandu said the state government would follow a democratic and consultative approach and would not force the project on indigenous communities against their wishes.

He said discussions on the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) have been held over the past two years, while several villages have voluntarily signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) allowing survey-related activities.

At the same time, the Chief Minister acknowledged that sections of the community continue to have concerns about the project, particularly over environmental impacts, displacement, rehabilitation and compensation.

Khandu said his visit is intended to engage directly with local officers, community leaders and other stakeholders and address their concerns through dialogue.

The Chief Minister also clarified that the deployment of security personnel in the region is intended to maintain law and order and protect essential infrastructure and equipment amid the ongoing situation. 

He maintained that the security presence should not be viewed as an attempt to suppress public opposition.

The proposed SUMP is being pursued as a major multipurpose project with hydropower, water-security and strategic considerations. Its proponents have also linked the project to concerns over China's planned infrastructure on the Yarlung Tsangpo, which enters India as the Siang.

However, the state government has maintained that the project will not proceed to definitive construction without the required public consultation and statutory processes.

Khandu's itinerary includes administrative reviews and stakeholder consultations in Boleng on September 29, followed by interactions in Yingkiong on September 30.

The government has also appealed to civil society organisations, including the Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum (SIFF) and Adi Bane Kebang (ABK), to participate in consultations concerning rehabilitation, safety and the rights of the affected indigenous communities.

Location: Itanagar 791111

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