ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR,July 25: In a key statement during the state budget session of the assembly on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister and Power Minister Chowna Mein emphasized that the Siang Mega Dam project transcends not only infrastructural development but also fundamentally linking national security and water security.
Mein outlined the substantial economic potential of the dam, asserting that the completion of all 12,000 Mega Dams in the state could generate an impressive ₹10,000 crore in annual revenue, positioning Arunachal Pradesh at the forefront in the country.
“We are committed to working on the Siang Dam, not just as a project but as a crucial element of national and water security,” he declared. “We aim to engage with the local populace to raise awareness about the dam's benefits, as public discourse often highlights disadvantages without recognizing the advantages.”
Addressing concerns about the impact on local communities, the Deputy Chief Minister questioned  the claims of 300 villages and a population of 150,000 would be affected. “There is no significant population in the area that would justify these figures,” he asserted.
Mein reassured affected families that the state government is committed to fair land compensation, significantly exceeding previous projects like the Dibang hydro-project. “We haven’t asked for any upfront money from power developers and will want to inform that the compensation is five times higher than what was provided in the Dibang project,” he noted.
The minister also highlighted the development of model villages, job creation, and increasing  tourism prospects as additional benefits of the Siang Dam project. “Airports will be built, enhancing connectivity and economic growth in the region,” he added.
Mein underscored the strategic implications of the dam in light of potential water security threats from neighboring countries, particularly China. “With 80% of rainfall occurring in Tibet and only 20% in the Siang River, we view this project as essential for safeguarding our water supply,” he stated. “In situations where China may cease water flow, the Siang Dam will ensure our access to crucial water resources.”
The Siang Dam is poised to serve as a safeguard against potential water Bomb. The Siang River has a total water volume of 100 billion cubic litters, while the Chinese dam can only hold 40 billion cubic liters Siang Dam has  capacity  to hold 9.2 billion cubic liters which  will help us to reduce flood situation in future, added the Dy CM.

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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
Phone: 0360-2212313

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