Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Arunachal Chief Minister Frames Siang Project As National Security Initiative
Arunachal Pradesh wants to study a very large water and power project called the Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project.
The project could produce 11,000 megawatts of electricity.
It may cost between Rs 1.5 lakh crore and Rs 2 lakh crore.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu says it is also important for India’s security, not only for making power.
First, experts will prepare a Preliminary Feasibility Report.
This report will check whether the project can be safely built in an earthquake-prone area.
If it seems possible, more environmental and social studies will be conducted.
People living in affected villages would be consulted about relocation, compensation and other concerns.
The government says the public could still oppose the project through official hearings and consultations.
Pema Khandu called the Rs 1.5 lakh crore Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project a national project with strategic and security implications.
The proposed project would have an 11,000-megawatt generation capacity and could eventually cost up to Rs 2 lakh crore.
The immediate priority is a three-month Preliminary Feasibility Report examining technical viability, location and seismic risks.
Further studies, including social and environmental impact assessments, would be required before construction decisions are made.
Khandu said affected communities would be consulted on land acquisition, relocation, compensation and whether the project should proceed.
- Who
- Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, government officials and communities in Siang district.
- What
- The government is advancing a Preliminary Feasibility Report for the proposed Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project, an 11,000-megawatt project.
- When
- Pema Khandu made the remarks on Tuesday; the feasibility study is expected to cover November, December and January.
- Where
- Siang district and Arunachal Pradesh, with the interaction held in Boleng and remarks also reported from Itanagar.
- Why
- The government says the project could support power generation, economic development and employment while having wider national-security and defence implications.
- Project
- Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project (SUMP)
- Proposed capacity
- 11,000 MW
- Estimated initial investment
- Approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore
- Potential investment
- Up to approximately Rs 2 lakh crore
- Immediate step
- A Preliminary Feasibility Report
- Feasibility timeline
- Expected to take three months, covering November through January
- Further studies
- Social Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment and Detailed Project Report