Siang Project: No Dam Decision Until PFR Findings, Says CM Khandu
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu clarifies that the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project's future depends on the PFR findings and invites youth groups for dialogue.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stepped in to address the growing unrest surrounding the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). In a move to bridge the gap between the government and the local populace, the Chief Minister has extended an open invitation to the youth wing of the Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) and the Youth Association to engage in direct discussions regarding the massive hydroelectric venture.
A Month Dedicated to Siang
Recognizing the intensity of the protests, CM Khandu announced a significant commitment to the region. He revealed that he is dedicating the entire current month to the Siang area, pledging to visit frequently until the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process is fully concluded. The Chief Minister intends to personally reach out to various units and associations, particularly in Upper Siang, to clear the air and resolve lingering doubts.
Khandu expressed concern that the residents of the region, whom he described as "very innocent," may have been misled. He suggested that misinformation has played a role in the current tension and emphasized that his goal is to provide absolute clarity on what the project actually entails at this stage.
PFR First, Dam Later
One of the most critical points raised by the Chief Minister was the distinction between a feasibility study and actual construction. He clarified that the government is not currently discussing the building of a dam, but is solely focused on the PFR.
"At this stage, we are not discussing the construction of a dam; we are only focusing on the PFR. Only after the PFR is completed will it be determined whether or not a dam should be built," Khandu stated.
He further reassured the public that the project cannot be forced through. According to the Chief Minister, if the PFR findings lead to a decision to build a dam, the government is legally and constitutionally mandated to conduct public consultations. He stressed that no such project could move forward without following these established legal provisions.
Political Opposition and Allegations
While the Chief Minister remains optimistic—citing positive responses from several local organizations he has already met—the project continues to face stiff political opposition. The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), under the leadership of former MP Takam Sanjoy, has openly opposed the 11,500 MW project.
During a press conference in Itanagar, the Congress party demanded a temporary halt to the field surveys associated with the Pre-Feasibility Report. They also raised serious questions regarding a Rs 350-crore Special Development Package, alleging that the funds are being used to "manufacture consent" rather than genuinely building trust with local groups, such as the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF).
As the state balances the pursuit of energy infrastructure with indigenous rights and environmental concerns, the coming weeks of CM Khandu's visits to the Siang region will be pivotal in determining the project's trajectory.