We won’t proceed without public consent: CM Khandu on Siang dam

Itanagar, Jan 11: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu clarified that the state government will not proceed with the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project if the people are against it.

Addressing concerns about the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), Khandu criticized anti-dam activists for spreading misinformation and failing to provide accurate information about the project’s significance. He described SUMP as a project of national importance, aimed at more than just hydropower generation.

“Hydropower generation is merely a by-product. The project’s real objective is to maintain the natural flow of the Siang River and mitigate flood risks,” he explained.

Highlighting the strategic implications, Khandu warned about China’s plan to construct the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, near the Indian border. “If China releases water from their dam, it will have severe consequences for Arunachal Pradesh and Assam,” he said, urging people to engage in open discussions about the project.

The proposed Upper Siang Hydropower Project, located in the Upper Siang district, has the potential to produce up to 11,000 MW of electricity.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein underlined the project’s importance for national security, particularly in countering the Chinese mega-dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo. “The Siang dam is essential for national security. We have been raising awareness about the Chinese project’s implications for the past five years. While many understand the gravity of the situation, some remain unconvinced about its impact on the Siang River and downstream areas,” Mein said.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to public dialogue, encouraging citizens to weigh the project’s benefits and risks before arriving at a decision.

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