Itanagar, Oct 27 Arunachal Pradesh minister Ojing Tasing on Tuesday held discussions with a delegation of the East Siang Downstream Dam Affected People’s Forum (ESDDAPF) on the concerns surrounding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
The forum was led by its president Oni Tamuk and general secretary Jobomchang Mengu, and represents communities spanning 72 villages that could be affected by the project.
In a post on X, Tasing, the rural development and panchayati raj minister, said the interaction provided a platform to discuss the project and its Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), address apprehensions and clarify misconceptions about its potential implications for downstream communities in East Siang district.
Emphasising the need to balance national priorities with local interests, Tasing, who represents the Pangin assembly constituency in Siang district, said a project of such significance must advance with the trust and confidence of the people.
He maintained that transparency, dialogue and mutual understanding were essential to build public confidence, adding that the concerns, rights and legitimate interests of local communities must remain central to consultations and decision-making.
The proposed SUMP is a hydropower and water-storage initiative on the Siang River, with a planned capacity of around 11,200 MW.
The project is being examined for its potential to strengthen India’s energy and water security, facilitate flood moderation, and support regional development.
Its strategic significance has also been linked to concerns over possible upstream interventions in the Brahmaputra basin.
The project, however, has generated concerns among sections of the local population over its potential social and environmental consequences, including the implications for downstream communities.
The ongoing PFR process is intended to assess its feasibility and technical parameters before any final decision on construction is taken.
The state government has reiterated that the feasibility assessment must precede any decision on whether and how the project can proceed.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu said in September that the PFR was necessary to establish the project’s technical viability and that the government did not intend to rush beyond the feasibility stage.
In a further step towards bolstering the process, the state Cabinet approved an empowered high-level committee in September to oversee PFR survey-related activities in Siang and Upper Siang districts, with Tasing as its chairman.
The committee is expected to facilitate engagement with residents and ensure that survey activities are conducted transparently and peacefully.
Tasing’s meeting with the downstream forum comes amid continuing efforts by the state government to engage communities as the project assessment progresses.
(PTI News)
