Stories
Kiren Rijiju Urges Dialogue to Resolve Siang Project Concerns
- •Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called for open dialogue between the government and indigenous communities opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
- •He emphasized that local residents should not be treated as adversaries and that all apprehensions must be addressed through respectful discussions.
- •Protesters have expressed concerns regarding ecological damage, displacement, and risks in the seismically active region, demanding a halt to survey activities.
- •Rijiju stressed that the government must focus on the future of the region and balance national interests with the concerns of local people.
Key Questions Answered
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called for dialogue and mutual understanding between the government and local communities opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). He stressed that discussions and respectful engagement are necessary to address indigenous communities' concerns without coercion.
Protesters have expressed concerns regarding potential displacement, ecological damage, the impacts on their traditional way of life, and the inherent risks of building a large project in a seismically active region. They have demanded an immediate halt to survey and pre-feasibility report activities as well as the withdrawal of security forces.
The government views the project as vital for boosting economic development, creating local employment, and strengthening the country's water and energy security. Additionally, it holds strategic importance due to concerns over a proposed mega dam by China on the upstream Yarlung Tsangpo river.
