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.
The Chief Minister said that completing the Preliminary Feasibility Report is the immediate priority to check if the project is technically possible in Seismic Zone V. He noted that the report will take three months to finish during November, December and January. Khandu explained that if experts decide the project cannot be built, all processes will stop.
Khandu described the project as a national initiative with major strategic and security implications for India. He mentioned that China announced a large water infrastructure project in 2021 and requests for details from India and Bangladesh were not accepted. He added that the proposed dam must be studied scientifically rather than rejected or accepted without assessment.
The Chief Minister assured that the government will engage with Gram Panchayats and local villages to discuss the project point by point if it is found feasible. He stated that Social Impact Assessment, Environment Impact Assessment and Detailed Project Reports will follow the feasibility stage. Khandu also clarified that affected villages will be consulted for relocation and landowners will receive compensation according to rules.
