1 day ago
Arunachal Chief Minister Seeks Dialogue Over Proposed Siang Project
Arunachal Pradesh is considering a large project on the Siang River.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu says people who live nearby should be heard before decisions are made.
He met with different stakeholders to listen to their ideas and worries.
The project’s early study work has led to protests.
Some protests turned violent, and police said security personnel were injured and five people were arrested.
Home Minister Mama Natung urged everyone to remain peaceful.
He said the study is only to check whether the project is feasible.
It does not mean construction will start right away.
People opposing the project want the surveys paused and security forces withdrawn from affected areas.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu called for dialogue with communities over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
Khandu met stakeholders in Pasighat and said their views and concerns must inform discussions about the Siang River’s future.
The outreach followed violent protests in Siang district against survey work for the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report.
Police said more than eight security personnel were injured and five people were arrested after the clashes.
Home Minister Mama Natung appealed for peace and said preparing the report does not mean dam construction will begin immediately.
- Who
- Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, local stakeholders, project opponents, and state officials.
- What
- Khandu called for dialogue and community engagement over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
- Where
- Pasighat in East Siang district and Uggeng in Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- When
- Khandu made the call on Monday, after protests turned violent on Sunday; the report is dated October 5.
- Why
- To hear communities’ views and concerns about the project amid protests against its Pre-Feasibility Report survey work.
Project opponents
State government
Survey work
Project opponents
Opponents are demanding suspension of surveys related to the Pre-Feasibility Report and withdrawal of security forces from affected areas.
State government
The government says the report exercise is meant to assess feasibility and is not a final decision to build the dam.
Community concerns
Project opponents
Communities living along the river have concerns about the proposed project, and opponents are resisting survey work.
State government
Pema Khandu said discussions must take account of local views and concerns, and called for dialogue to build confidence and address fears.
Key facts
- Project
- Proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP)
- Proposed capacity
- 11,000 MW
- Stakeholder meeting
- Held by Pema Khandu at Pasighat in East Siang district
- Protest location
- Uggeng in Siang district
- Injuries
- More than eight security personnel were injured, according to the Siang superintendent of police
- Arrests
- Five people, including two women, had been arrested in connection with the violence
- Opponents’ demands
- Suspend Pre-Feasibility Report surveys and withdraw security forces from affected areas
Quotes
Pema Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister
“We heard valuable suggestions, important questions and genuine concerns. These conversations are essential to building confidence, allaying fears and ensuring that people have the information they need.”
theprint.in
“There is no issue that cannot be resolved through proper dialogue. We are all sisters and brothers, and we should maintain peace and not resort to violence.”
theprint.in
Sources
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