Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Nov 2: Amid growing protests and apprehensions over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), Chief Minister Pema Khandu has appealed to the Adi community and residents of Siang and Upper Siang districts to engage in peaceful dialogue, assuring that no decision on dam construction would be taken without extensive public consultation and consent.
Clarifying the government's position, the Chief Minister stated that the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project was declared a national project by the Government of India on February 7, 2008, following a decision by the Union Cabinet. He noted that the project is currently among 16 national projects in the country.
Khandu said the immediate discussion concerns only the preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), which is the initial stage of assessing the project's basic feasibility, potential implications and alternative options. He emphasised that the PFR does not constitute final approval or mean that the project would necessarily be constructed.
The Chief Minister linked the need for preliminary assessment to concerns over water security, referring to reports of China's dam construction in Medog County near the international border. He said the Siang Valley faces risks from sudden high water flows as well as water scarcity during dry winter months, particularly as a significant portion of the Siang River's water originates in China.
Khandu categorically assured that neither the Government of India nor the Arunachal Pradesh Government has taken any decision regarding dam construction. He said any future decision would require detailed and extensive public consultations and public consent, in accordance with legal provisions, including the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over what he described as misinformation surrounding the project, rejecting claims that families would be forcibly displaced or land acquired without consent at the present stage. He said people deserved accurate information to understand the project's strategic importance and associated concerns.
Acknowledging democratic rights, Khandu said every voice matters and disagreement is legitimate in a democracy. He reiterated the government's commitment to listening to public concerns, maintaining transparency and finding a constructive way forward through dialogue and mutual understanding.
At the same time, he cautioned against violence, stating that bandhs, blockades and attacks would only cause suffering among people. He warned that anyone resorting to violence, threatening others or taking the law into their own hands would remain accountable under the law.
Khandu also appreciated the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) for their initiatives to promote peace and dialogue in the Siang region.
Chief Minister further invited residents of Siang and Upper Siang districts and members of the Adi community to participate in free and frank discussions on the Siang UMP. He said government officials, public representatives and himself were willing to discuss all issues concerning the project.
“Let us find the truth together and decide together, for Aane Siang, for our land and for our future generations,” Khandu appealed.
He reiterated that the government would not abandon the people midway and that decisions would come only through open discussion and consent.

---

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
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List