Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called for greater dialogue and consultation with local communities over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), amid continuing opposition to the mega project.
Khandu held discussions with various stakeholders in Pasighat, including legislators from the Adi community, representatives of the Adi Baane Kebang, municipal councillors, panchayat leaders and members of affected communities.
The Chief Minister said the views of people living along the Siang River must be taken into consideration before decisions are made regarding the project’s future.
‘Dialogue Must Begin With Listening’
Khandu emphasised that the Siang River has deep cultural and emotional significance for communities living along its banks.
He said discussions about the river and the proposed project must therefore begin by listening to the people who could be directly affected. The consultation, according to the Chief Minister, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to raise questions, offer suggestions and express concerns.
Khandu said such interactions were important for building confidence, addressing apprehensions and ensuring that communities received accurate information about the project.
Project Faces Local Opposition
The proposed SUMP has faced strong opposition from sections of indigenous communities and local organisations in the Siang and Upper Siang districts.
Opponents have raised concerns over the possible impact of the project on land, livelihoods, the environment and traditional community life. They have also demanded that survey activities connected with the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report be stopped.
Protests intensified in recent days, including clashes between protesters and security personnel during an ongoing survey exercise.
The government has maintained that the current Pre-Feasibility Report exercise is only intended to assess the technical feasibility of the proposed project and does not amount to a final decision to construct the dam.
Government Says PFR Is Not Final Approval
Khandu has repeatedly clarified that preparation of the Pre-Feasibility Report should not be interpreted as approval for construction.
The PFR is intended to examine whether the proposed project is technically and economically feasible. Further studies and regulatory procedures would be required before any construction decision could be taken.
The Chief Minister has urged groups opposing the project to participate in discussions and place their concerns before the government rather than relying on apprehensions about the proposal.
Importance of the Siang River
The Siang is one of the major rivers of Arunachal Pradesh and eventually joins other rivers to form the Brahmaputra in Assam.
The proposed project has been presented by the government as a multipurpose initiative with implications for hydropower generation, water management and broader strategic interests.
Khandu has also previously argued that the project should not be viewed only as a conventional hydropower scheme. The government has highlighted its potential significance in the context of water security and national interests.
At the same time, local communities have stressed that any assessment must adequately consider environmental and social consequences.
Government Promises Informed Decision-Making
Khandu has said that experts in areas such as hydropower, environmental studies, social impact assessment and seismic studies would be involved in examining the project.
He has also emphasised the need to assess issues related to rehabilitation and resettlement, land, livelihoods, compensation and the long-term interests of affected communities.
The government has maintained that these aspects need to be studied carefully before any final decision is taken.
Stakeholders Seek More Time for Talks
The effort to initiate dialogue comes as some groups have sought additional time to prepare their position on the project.
The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum, one of the groups opposing the project, had sought that discussions be held after October 11, saying it needed time for internal consultations and to develop a collective position.
This highlights the gap that still exists between the government and sections of the local community over the proposed project.
Recent Protests Add Urgency to Dialogue
The government’s renewed emphasis on consultation follows protests against the PFR survey in Siang district. The demonstrations have highlighted the level of concern among sections of the local population.
Following clashes during one such protest, several people were arrested and security personnel were injured. The developments have increased calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disagreements.
Both the state government and local stakeholders now face the challenge of finding a process through which concerns can be discussed without escalating tensions.
Siang Project Debate Enters Crucial Phase
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project remains a major development proposal as well as a contentious issue in Arunachal Pradesh.
Khandu’s call for dialogue signals an effort to place consultation and stakeholder engagement at the centre of the discussion. For local communities, the key issues remain land, livelihoods, environmental impact and the future of the Siang River.
With the feasibility assessment still underway, the project’s next phase is likely to depend not only on technical findings but also on the government’s ability to engage meaningfully with affected communities and address their concerns.