Arunachal Pradesh CM Addresses Concerns Over Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

In response to growing protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has assured the Adi community that no construction will proceed without public consent. Amid a 36-hour bandh affecting daily life, Khandu emphasized the project's current status as a pre-feasibility report and committed to addressing community concerns through open dialogue. He acknowledged the potential impacts on ancestral lands and the revered Siang river, promising transparency and meaningful consultations before any decisions are made. The Chief Minister also raised concerns about water risks linked to upstream activities in China, highlighting the need for local mitigation strategies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 10:40 IST

Public Protest and Government Response

Arunachal CM Pema Khandu (Photo: @NITIAayog/X)

Itanagar, Nov 3: Amid escalating public protests regarding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has reassured residents of the Siang and Upper Siang districts, particularly the Adi community, that no construction decisions will be made without prior public consultation and agreement.

This assurance was made as a 36-hour bandh protesting the hydropower initiative disrupted daily life in the Upper Siang district.

Engaging with the demonstrators, Khandu emphasized that the project is still in the pre-feasibility report (PFR) phase. He acknowledged the community's worries regarding the potential impact on ancestral lands, homes, livelihoods, and the Siang river, which holds significant cultural value for the Adi people as Aane Siang.

The Chief Minister committed to addressing public concerns through open dialogue, transparency, and meaningful consultations, stating that progress would only occur after considering the community's aspirations and interests.

Khandu explained that preparing a PFR is essential to assess the project's basic feasibility and its potential effects, clarifying that this step does not equate to final approval or a decision to build the dam.

He also highlighted reports indicating that China has commenced dam construction in Medog County, approximately 40 km from the border, on the Yarlung Tsangpo river since July 19, 2025, without prior consultation or information sharing.

“Our valley is at risk of water issues, ranging from sudden high flows to water shortages during dry winter months, particularly since about 65 percent of the Aane Siang originates from China,” he noted.

The Chief Minister concluded by stating that while the government cannot influence upstream activities, it can take measures on its side to mitigate these risks.