Arunachal CM promises public talks 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.
The Chief Minister explained that the immediate priority is to complete the Preliminary Feasibility Report to check if the project can be built technically. He noted that if experts determine the project is not feasible, the process will stop immediately. The report is expected to take three months to finish.
National Security and Technical Assessment
Khandu mentioned that the project is important for national security and defence preparedness due to water infrastructure developments by China. He stressed that the proposal needs scientific and technical study instead of a direct rejection or acceptance without proper assessment.
Consultation and Compensation Assurances
The government promised to engage with local communities, Gram Panchayats, and villages point by point if the project is found technically feasible. Khandu added that affected villages will be consulted for relocation choices, and landowners will receive proper compensation along with necessary infrastructure like schools, roads, and electricity.