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'Won't move forward without public': Arunachal CM amid protests over Siang project

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Chief Minister Pema Khandu clarified that current state efforts are strictly limited to completing a Pre-Feasibility Report through NHPC across three Siang valley districts. Indigenous Adi organizations continue to strongly resist the initiative, citing severe threats to local livelihoods, displacement, and environmental degradation. The stand-off has already triggered violent unrest, including arson attacks on an NHPC facility and a police station in Pasighat. To de-escalate tensions, tribal forums have recommended setting up a peace committee while activists demand the release of detained demonstrators.

Key points

  • The state government insists the multipurpose dam project will not proceed without direct…: The state government insists the multipurpose dam project will not proceed without direct dialogue and consensus from local indigenous communities.
  • Beyond hydropower and water management, the central government views the storage project…: Beyond hydropower and water management, the central government views the storage project as a strategic counter to upstream Chinese dam construction.
  • The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum has suggested establishing a dedicated peace commit…: The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum has suggested establishing a dedicated peace committee to facilitate discussions between officials and community groups.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Siang mega dam: Khandu seeks cooperation for report, says project won't be imposed

NEW DELHI: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu has assured residents that the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) will not be imposed on them, saying the government is currently seeking cooperation only to complete its Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR).Speaking to reporters, Khandu said he was inviting the youth wing of Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) and the Adi Students' Union (AdiSU) for discussions following their recent media briefings on the project."I want to reach out to all the associations and units in the Siang area to try and provide more clarity about this project. Right now, we aren't even talking about building the dam. Right now, only the PFR needs to happen," he said.Khandu said a decision on whether to proceed with the dam would be taken only after the PFR establishes its feasibility. Even if the project is found viable, the government would consult residents in accordance with legal provisions, he added."This project won't move forward without talking to the public," Khandu said, adding that he was…

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