Itanagar, May 30: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday underscored the strategic significance of the proposed Siang Multipurpose Project, stating that the initiative goes beyond hydropower generation and serves as a critical defence mechanism to safeguard India’s national interests along the sensitive border with China.
Speaking at a press conference in Itanagar, Khandu described the project as a “national priority,” emphasizing its dual role in energy security and geopolitical stability“The Siang project is not just about hydropower—it’s about national security. China is already constructing a 60,000 MW dam upstream. In such a scenario, our project will act as a safeguard to protect India’s strategic and ecological interests,” Khandu said.
The chief minister revealed that a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) will be prepared to assess the full extent of submergence and socio-environmental impact. He assured that transparency and public consultation will guide every stage of the project.
“No decision will be made without involving local communities. Public hearings and the voices of affected people will be at the heart of this process,” he added.
Khandu also pointed out that the project is a strategic response to potential upstream water diversion by China.
“If China attempts to divert the Siang River, this dam will help neutralize the impact and preserve the river system downstream. It’s not just a hydro project—it’s about safeguarding the Siang and our people,” he said.
The Siang Multipurpose Project has long been proposed as a major hydropower and water management initiative on the Siang River, which becomes the Brahmaputra as it flows into Assam and further downstream. However, it has faced both environmental and public scrutiny due to potential displacement and ecological risks.
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