Guwahati, Dec 19: With China advancing its ambitious 60,000 MW hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, just before it enters India, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has strongly backed the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
Responding to the growing protests against the project, Khandu highlighted the urgent need for the Indian project in the face of China’s developments.
China’s project, set to generate 60,000 MW of power on the Yarlung Tsangpo (known as the Brahmaputra in India), aims to divert water to arid regions of Tibet and beyond.
Khandu expressed concern over the potential reduction of water in the Siang River, which could drop to such low levels that it may be possible to cross it on foot during winter. “Would you want that situation? I certainly wouldn’t,” Khandu remarked during a ‘Thanksgiving’ program for local legislator Ojing Tasing in Boleng, Arunachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also raised alarms about the possible catastrophic consequences if China were to suddenly release water from its dams, potentially causing massive floods in the Siang belt, Assam, and Bangladesh. Despite ongoing diplomatic talks with China, Khandu emphasized that India cannot afford to remain complacent and must prepare for all eventualities.
The Upper Siang Multipurpose Project, proposed by the central government, is designed to maintain a steady flow of water in the river year-round, with flood modulation mechanisms to mitigate potential threats from China’s dams.
Khandu dismissed rumours and misinformation circulating against the project, stating that many of the individuals leading the protests were unclear on the details of the project’s scope. He pointed out that the exact capacity of the project, still in its early stages, has not yet been determined. “How can anyone know the wattage of a project when surveys and investigations haven’t even begun?” Khandu questioned.
Reaffirming that the project is not solely focused on hydropower generation, Khandu explained that hydropower is a by-product of the multipurpose project, with the primary aim being to safeguard the Siang River and the Adi community, who have relied on it for generations.
He also addressed concerns about the project’s implementation, stating that the government is not forcing the project upon the people. “We are a democratic country, and we believe in taking everyone into confidence,” Khandu said, assuring that public hearings and consultations will be part of the process once the survey and investigation are complete.
Khandu invited the public, especially the villagers, to clear any doubts through the Committee headed by senior Adi leader Tamio Taga. “Take your time, clear your doubts. We are not in any hurry,” he added.
With Arunachal Pradesh holding nearly 50% of India’s hydropower potential, Khandu said the project could generate significant revenue for the state, contributing approximately Rs 10,000 crore annually to the state’s coffers.
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