CM Assures No Siang Dam Without Public Consent

-

 


ITANAGAR | November 2: 

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has reiterated that the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) will not be imposed on the people, assuring that no decision on its construction will be taken without extensive consultations and public consent.

Clarifying the present status of the project, Khandu said the government is currently focusing only on the preparation of the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR). He emphasised that the ongoing exercise is intended to assess the project's technical feasibility and does not amount to approval for construction.

The Chief Minister stated that a decision on whether to proceed with the project would be considered only after the PFR establishes its technical viability. If the report finds the project unfeasible, there will be no further process.

He further explained that even if the project is found technically feasible, subsequent stages would require detailed assessments, including Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.

Khandu also assured that affected communities would be extensively consulted before the project advances beyond the feasibility stage. 

The government would engage with Gram Panchayats, village councils and local residents through detailed presentations and discussions to address concerns relating to land acquisition, displacement, compensation, rehabilitation and environmental impacts.

He maintained that villagers likely to be affected by relocation would be consulted on the choice of relocation sites, while compensation and rehabilitation would be addressed under applicable rules. 

He also emphasised the need to ensure essential infrastructure, including roads, schools, electricity and drinking water, in any relocated settlements.

The Chief Minister has also highlighted the project's strategic significance in view of China's upstream water infrastructure developments on the Yarlung Tsangpo, which enters India as the Siang River. He said the potential implications for downstream water security and national interests need to be examined through scientific and technical assessments.

Amid continuing opposition and concerns among sections of the indigenous Adi community, Khandu has reiterated his commitment to dialogue and direct engagement with affected residents. 

He has expressed willingness to visit villages and spend an extended period in the Siang region to listen to people's concerns and clarify issues surrounding the proposed project.

The government has maintained that the ongoing PFR is an assessment exercise and that public consultation and consent remain central to any decision on taking the project forward.

Location: Itanagar 791111

Popular posts from this blog

Takam Dado Renyo (D Renyo) Passes Away

-
Image
  Itanagar, March 20, 2026: The music community of Arunachal Pradesh is in deep mourning following the untimely demise of Takam Dado Renyo, widely known by her stage name D Renyo. A pioneering figure in the state’s emerging hip-hop culture, she is remembered as Arunachal’s first female rapper who broke barriers and inspired a new wave of independent artists. D Renyo’s contribution to the cultural landscape of the state was both groundbreaking and influential. As the first woman to establish herself in Arunachal’s rap scene, she carved a path for female artists in a genre largely dominated by men, earning recognition for her fearless voice and authentic expression. Beyond her performances, she played a crucial role in nurturing young talent. She served as a judge on Arunachal Hustle 1.0, where she mentored aspiring artists and helped shape the region’s growing hip-hop community. Known for her raw lyrical style, she also collaborated with prominent local artists such as K4 Kekho and ...
Read more

Three Held for Mithun Theft in East Siang

-
Image
  PASIGHAT, July 17:  In a successful joint operation, Mebo Police and Pasighat Police, with active support from the Mithun Owners Association, arrested three persons for allegedly stealing and illegally transporting a mithun.  The stolen animal was successfully recovered. The accused have been identified as Philip Lego (28) of Ayeng Village under Mebo Police Station, Kanggong Lego (19) of Ayeng Village, and Nandu Nath (22), a driver from Chumoni Village in Assam's North Lakhimpur district. According to police, the accused allegedly stole the mithun from the Partung area and were transporting it towards the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR).  Acting on specific intelligence, police intercepted the vehicle carrying the stolen animal at the Gumto Police Check Gate, leading to the recovery of the mithun and the arrest of all three accused. A case has been registered at Pasighat Police Station as PSGT P.S. Case No. 77/2026 under Sections 303(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyay...
Read more

NNMR Seeks Action Against Yachuli MLA Over Podum Remarks

-
 ITANAGAR, September 15: The Nyishi Nyidung Mwngjwng Rallung (NNMR) has submitted a complaint to the Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly seeking action against Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung over remarks concerning the traditional Nyishi Podum/Byopia headgear. In its representation dated September 14, 2026, the organisation alleged that Tatung made a “misleading” statement about the origin and development of the traditional headgear during the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address in the Assembly on March 11, 2025. According to the complaint, Tatung had questioned the originality of the traditional Podum and suggested that the modern artificial version was started by a Christian man. The organisation said the remarks misrepresented the historical and cultural origins of the headgear. The NNMR said Podum/Byopia has long been regarded as an important element of Nyishi men's cultural identity and forms part of the community's traditional heritage. It argued that tr...
Read more