Arunachal CM likely to visit Siang, Upper Siang amid concerns over mega dam project

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is likely to visit Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts to meet local residents, village elders, civil society organisations and community groups raising concerns over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Khandu has said the state government is open to dialogue on the proposed mega project and is willing to hear concerns raised by organisations including the Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) and other community bodies from the Siang region.

The Chief Minister has maintained that the government is not forcing the SUMP project on local people and has indicated that discussions and consultations will continue.

The proposed project, however, has faced opposition from sections of local residents and organisations, particularly over the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities. The ABK-U has publicly called for the PFR activities to be stopped.

The SUMP issue has emerged as a major point of discussion in Siang and Upper Siang, with government representatives stressing dialogue while opponents continue to raise concerns over the proposed project and survey-related activities.

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet recently approved the constitution of an Empowered High-Level Committee to guide and coordinate the PFR survey and related activities for the SUMP and facilitate engagement with communities in Siang and Upper Siang.

Khandu's proposed visit is expected to provide an opportunity for direct interaction between the government and local organisations and for communities to place their concerns before the Chief Minister.

The development comes amid heightened discussion over the proposed project and its potential impact on communities in the Siang region.