Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stated that the government will hold extensive consultations with affected communities if the Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project moves past the feasibility stage. The Chief Minister said the preliminary feasibility report is the current priority to check if the project can be built safely. Addressing an interaction at Boleng, Khandu explained that the preliminary report will take three months to check technical parameters and seismic safety in Arunachal Pradesh.
Khandu noted that the project is being viewed for its national security and defence implications due to water infrastructure developments by China. He emphasized that the project requires scientific and technical examination rather than a rushed decision.
The state government has assured that public hearings, social impact assessments, and environmental studies will precede any further action. Khandu stated that affected villages will be consulted regarding relocation, and landowners will receive compensation according to applicable rules. He added that the public will have the opportunity to reject the project through prescribed processes if consultations establish it should not proceed.
