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 forward beyond the feasibility stage.
The state government is currently focusing on completing the Preliminary Feasibility Report to check if the project can be built technically. Chief Minister Pema Khandu explained that the PFR will take three months to finish, covering November, December and January.
If experts find that the project is not technically feasible, no further steps will be taken. The initial report will check if the structure is safe in Arunachal Pradesh's Seismic Zone V and assess water protection levels.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the project is linked to national security and defense preparedness regarding upstream developments by China. He noted that China has not responded to requests for details on its water projects from India and Bangladesh.
Therefore, the proposed project must be examined scientifically rather than rejected without assessment. Khandu assured that public hearings and community consultations will be held if the project crosses the feasibility stage. Affected villages will be consulted regarding relocation and given the choice of new locations.
Compensation will be provided according to applicable rules for acquired land, along with basic infrastructure like roads, schools, electricity, and water in relocated areas.