Arunachal CM Promises Public Consultation On Siang Dam

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stated that his government will hold extensive consultations with affected communities if the Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project moves past the feasibility stage.

Focus On Preliminary Feasibility Report

Addressing an interaction programme at Boleng in Siang district, Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that the immediate priority is completing the Preliminary Feasibility Report without delay. He noted that the report will take three months across November, December and January to determine the technical feasibility, location and technical parameters of the proposed project in Arunachal Pradesh's Seismic Zone V. Khandu emphasized that if experts decide the project cannot be built after the report, no further processes will take place.

National Security And Strategic Importance

The Chief Minister described the project as a national initiative with wider strategic and security implications rather than a conventional hydropower project. He mentioned that China announced a large water infrastructure project in 2021, and requests for details from India and Bangladesh were not accepted by the Chinese side. Khandu stated that the project must be examined scientifically and technically to address defence preparedness and water-sharing concerns.

Consultations And Rehabilitation Assurances

Khandu assured that if the project proves technically feasible, the government will engage with Gram Panchayats, villages and local communities through Social Impact Assessment, Environment Impact Assessment and Detailed Project Reports. He added that affected villages will be consulted on relocation choices and receive compensation according to rules. The Chief Minister stated that people will have the opportunity to reject the project through prescribed processes if public hearings establish it should not proceed.