Arunachal CM assures public consultation on Siang project
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that his government will hold extensive consultations with affected communities if the Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project moves past the feasibility stage. Chief Minister Pema Khandu clarified that the government is not rushing the project beyond the feasibility stage and wants the Preliminary Feasibility Report completed first.
Focus on Preliminary Feasibility Report
The Preliminary Feasibility Report is expected to take three months from November to January. This report will determine whether the structure can be technically built in Arunachal Pradesh in Seismic Zone V and check protection levels against upstream water releases. If experts decide the project cannot be built after this report, all processes will stop.
National Security and Strategic Importance
Khandu emphasized that the project is tied to national security and defense preparedness due to upstream water infrastructure developments by China. He noted that India and Bangladesh previously sought details from China regarding water-sharing concerns without success. Therefore, the proposed project must be examined scientifically rather than rejected without assessment.
Relocation, Compensation and Public Hearings
The Chief Minister assured that affected villages will be consulted regarding relocation and given choices for new locations. Land acquisition, asset assessment, and relief and rehabilitation will follow applicable rules with proper compensation. He added that if public hearings show the project should not proceed, people will have the opportunity to reject it.