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Arunachal CM Urges Dialogue Amidst Siang Hydropower Project Opposition
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News18•29-09-2026, 18:45
Arunachal CM Urges Dialogue Amidst Siang Hydropower Project Opposition
- •Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited Boleng and Yingkiong amidst protests against the proposed Siang mega hydropower project, emphasizing the need for dialogue.
- •Khandu chaired the first meeting of the empowered high-level committee for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) to review preparations for the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey.
- •The Chief Minister clarified that the PFR is the initial step to assess feasibility and implications, not a final approval for construction, stressing transparency and public trust.
- •The SUMP, declared a National Project in 2008, is envisioned as an 11,000 MW hydropower and water-management project crucial for energy security, flood moderation, and regional development.
- •Villagers in Geku, Komkar, and surrounding areas oppose the project due to concerns over land, livelihoods, ecology, seismic risks, and socio-cultural impact.
Key Questions Answered
The pre-feasibility report survey is intended to assess the basic feasibility, likely implications, and fundamental facts of the proposed project, and does not serve as a final approval for its construction or implementation.
The Centre declared the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project a National Project in 2008, though it faced various delays over the subsequent 18 years.
Villagers in areas like Geku and Komkar have opposed the pre-feasibility survey activities over concerns regarding land, livelihoods, ecology, seismic risks, and potential impacts on their socio-cultural life.