Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu has offered to meet groups opposing the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, saying the government’s immediate priority is to prepare a pre-feasibility report after consulting resident communities, not to begin construction.
Speaking in Seppa on Thursday, Khandu said the pre-feasibility report, or PFR, would be undertaken only after consultations with people living in the project area. “Building the dam is not our priority. The priority is to first conduct the PFR, and even the PFR will be carried out only after consulting the public,” he told the media.
The proposed project has faced opposition from residents, including members of the Adi community, amid concerns over ancestral land, cultural ties to the Siang river and the possible consequences of a large multipurpose dam. The project has also become linked to India-China geopolitical tensions because of Arunachal Pradesh’s location and the strategic importance of the region.
Khandu acknowledged the community’s relationship with the river and its land. “We appreciate and honour their traditional and emotional attachment to their land and ancestors. However, this (SUMP) is a national project. We need to sit together, discuss its merits and shortcomings, and then decide how to move forward,” he said.
The chief minister said he was willing to meet protesters at Pasighat, Geku, Boleng or Yingkiong and would attend with experts. “Invite me anywhere, and I will personally come, accompanied by experts,” he said. His offer comes as the government seeks to reopen dialogue with Adi Bane Kebang United, or ABKU, and other organisations opposing the project.
In a letter to the groups, the chief minister’s office cited the November 7 release of four detainees booked under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 2014, as a confidence-building measure. The letter described the release as intended to promote “free, frank and holistic dialogue” on the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and related issues.
ABKU spokesperson Datik Ratan said the organisation’s position remained unchanged. According to the report, Ratan said the unconditional release of all detainees and arrested persons was a prerequisite for entering talks. He added that the government’s letter would be discussed with other organisations before a response was given.
Khandu also defended Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao over his recent statement that the dam would be built “come what may”, saying the remarks had been misinterpreted. The chief minister ruled out the use of force against protesters and said people had the right to question the government.
“There will naturally be confusion because this issue has become entangled in international politics. Local politics is also deeply involved. But that is part of democracy, and we should not blame anyone for it. However, providing clarification is the govt’s responsibility,” Khandu said. The next step is for the organisations to consider the government’s invitation and decide whether to participate in discussions.
