GUWAHATI, Jan 6: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has emphasized the strategic importance of the proposed Siang dam as a countermeasure against China’s massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet.
Speaking to reporters, Mein said, “The Siang dam will be our counter to the Chinese mega-dam. This is a matter of national security, and people need to understand its implications. We have been raising awareness about the Siang dam for the last five years, and while many understand its significance, some remain unaware of how the proposed Chinese project could impact the Siang River and downstream areas.”
Mein explained that preliminary studies and a detailed project report (DPR) for the Siang dam are necessary before proceeding. “We need to complete the pre-feasibility report to assess if constructing a dam on the Siang is viable. The DPR, which will take two years, will determine if the project is beneficial for the people. If it isn’t, we will not proceed. However, if it proves beneficial, we will construct the dam,” he stated.
The Deputy CM urged local communities to allow the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) access to conduct pre-feasibility studies. “This assessment will help us determine the dam’s height, the area of submergence, and other factors. Only then can we conduct public hearings and move forward,” he said.
Highlighting the potential risks posed by China’s 60,000 MW hydropower project, Mein warned, “If China releases water, the Siang River and areas downstream, including Guwahati’s Saraighat Bridge, could be submerged. Conversely, if they stop releasing water, the Siang River could dry up. To counter this, our government has decided to move ahead with the Siang dam.”
The proposed 11,000 MW Siang dam, according to Mein, is critical not only for generating electricity but also for managing water flows. “This dam will allow us to regulate water from the Chinese side. We can store water and release it gradually, ensuring downstream safety,” he said.
The Siang dam’s main reservoir is expected to hold 10 billion cubic meters of water.
China, meanwhile, has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, which will produce 60,000 MW of electricity—three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, the current largest hydro project in the world.
Read: 13 miners feared trapped in coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao
WATCH:
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
