Arunachal Pradesh CM orders action against officials opposing Siang dam project

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has directed the Chief Secretary to take action against government officials who allegedly oppose or cause disturbances regarding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). Khandu emphasized that government employees are required to follow state instructions and play a role in disseminating information about the project to local communities.

The SUMP is a proposed hydropower project with a capacity of 11,000 to 12,500 MW. While Khandu described it as a national project, he acknowledged that local residents are the ultimate owners of the land and stressed the importance of taking them on board.

Local apprehension has grown in the Siang and Upper Siang basins due to pre-feasibility report activities, the deployment of security forces, and potential impacts on land, forests, and rivers. In response, the Chief Minister has pledged to increase awareness programs to explain the project's technical aspects and significance, stating that the government remains open to discussions and addressing public doubts.