Itanagar, Oct 14 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh, today held a press conference to clarify the party’s position on the significance of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and other hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
The press conference was addressed by MP (Rajya Sabha) Tai Tagak, and Nyato Dukam, Minister for Information and Public Relations (IPR). They presented the party’s views, addressed concerns raised by opposition leaders, and highlighted the strategic importance of SUMP and hydropower development in the state. The press conference was convened in response to allegations and statements made by senior Congress leaders and Congress party, concerning SUMP and other hydropower projects in the state.
Addressing the media, Tagak explained the historical background of SUMP, stating that the project was initiated in 1983 under the Brahmaputra Board and was accorded the status of a National Project in 2008 during the Congress-led UPA regime. He further highlighted that the project’s strategic significance, particularly in the context of national security and India’s long-term interests, received renewed attention in 2019 following reports and developments concerning a proposed 60,000 MW hydropower project in Tibet under Chinese control in Medong dam which was approved in 2024. 
 Tagak emphasised that SUMP should not be viewed merely as a hydropower project but also in the broader context of national security, strategic preparedness, water resource management, and the long-term development of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast. He appealed to the Congress, to approach the issue with maturity and responsibility. He urged Congress leaders to examine the historical background of the project and their own party’s role in its development before making public statements.
He further stated that India possesses advanced technology and technical expertise to undertake major hydropower projects. He informed the media that various national agencies are prepared to visit and conduct necessary surveys and examinations related to the project. However, he expressed concern that even the preliminary procedures, including the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) stage, were facing obstacles, preventing the concerned agencies from proceeding with their assessments.
He cautioned that public opinion should not be influenced by misinformation or political provocation. According to Tagak, attempts to obstruct strategically important projects could undermine India’s developmental aspirations, economic growth, and national security interests.
Highlighting the geographical and strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh, he stated that the state’s location, its proximity to the international border, and its river systems originating in the Himalayas make water resource management and strategic infrastructure development particularly significant. He also observed that several important projects across India have faced similar obstacles, underscoring the need for informed public discussion and constructive cooperation.
Drawing attention to the importance of upstream river infrastructure, the MP referred to the devastating floods and glacier-related disasters that have affected Nepal this year. He stated that the experience of the Kosi Barrage  Dam which help to protect from Nepal flood  could serve as an example of the role that appropriate water infrastructure may play in managing river flows and reducing flood risks. He emphasised that the management of transboundary rivers and the development of suitable infrastructure require long-term planning, scientific assessment, and strategic foresight.
He further clarified that the SUMP is not a project that can be taken up for construction overnight. Major infrastructure projects must undergo several stages of examination, assessment, and approval before construction can begin. The Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) is an initial stage that examines the feasibility of a proposed project, including the suitability of potential locations. Therefore, he stressed that preliminary surveys and feasibility studies should not be confused with an immediate decision to begin construction.
Minister Nyato Dukam reiterated that hydropower projects have the potential to contribute significantly to the economic growth of Arunachal Pradesh, strengthen the state's infrastructure, generate employment opportunities, promote local development, and support India’s energy security.
The party maintained that discussions concerning SUMP and other hydropower projects must be conducted objectively, keeping in view the long-term interests of Arunachal Pradesh and the nation. It also emphasised the importance of balancing development with appropriate environmental safeguards, technical assessments, and public consultation.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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