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.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that completing the Preliminary Feasibility Report is the immediate priority to check if the project can be built safely.
The report is expected to take three months from November to January. Khandu noted that the assessment will check if the structure is safe in Seismic Zone V and what protection it offers against water release from upstream.
The Chief Minister said the project is a national initiative with important security implications due to water infrastructure developments in China.
He stressed that the project must be examined scientifically rather than rejected or accepted without assessment. Khandu added that if experts find the project not technically feasible, no further process will take place.
Khandu assured that if the project proceeds after the feasibility stage, the government will engage with Gram Panchayats and local villages.
Affected villages will be consulted regarding relocation, and landowners will receive proper compensation according to rules. He also promised to visit Siang for a week to meet villagers, listen to their concerns, and explain the project details.
