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 beyond the initial feasibility stage.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that the preliminary feasibility report is currently the main priority to check the technical viability of the project. He noted that if experts determine the project cannot be built after this report, all further processes will stop. The report is expected to take three months to evaluate seismic safety and water protection.
Khandu explained that the project carries national security and defence implications due to large water infrastructure developments by China. He emphasized that the proposal must be examined scientifically rather than rejected without proper assessment.
The Chief Minister assured that if the project proceeds past the feasibility stage, the government will engage directly with local villages and Gram Panchayats. He stated that land acquisition, relocation choices, and compensation will follow applicable rules, and public hearings will allow people to reject the project if necessary.
