Arunachal Pradesh Minister Engages with Local Communities on Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

Arunachal Pradesh Minister Ojing Tasing recently engaged with the East Siang Downstream Dam Affected People’s Forum to discuss the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. This initiative, aimed at enhancing energy and water security, has raised concerns among local communities regarding its social and environmental impacts. Tasing emphasized the importance of transparency and dialogue in addressing these issues, ensuring that local interests are prioritized in the decision-making process. The ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report will assess the project's viability before any construction decisions are made, with the state government committed to a thorough evaluation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 28, 2026, 11:09 IST

Minister's Engagement with Local Forum

Ojing Tasing with the representatives (Photo: @OjingBJP / X)

Itanagar, Oct 28: On Tuesday, Ojing Tasing, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Arunachal Pradesh, met with a delegation from the East Siang Downstream Dam Affected People’s Forum (ESDDAPF) to discuss concerns regarding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

The delegation, led by president Oni Tamuk and general secretary Jobomchang Mengu, represents the interests of 72 villages that may be impacted by the project.

In a post shared on X, Tasing highlighted that the meeting served as a valuable opportunity to address the project and its Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), while also clarifying any misconceptions regarding its effects on downstream communities in the East Siang district.

Stressing the importance of aligning national objectives with local needs, Tasing, who serves the Pangin assembly constituency in Siang district, asserted that such a significant project must proceed with the trust and confidence of the local populace.

He underscored that transparency, open dialogue, and mutual understanding are crucial for fostering public trust, and that the rights and concerns of local communities should be at the forefront of discussions and decision-making processes.

The SUMP is envisioned as a hydropower and water-storage project on the Siang river, aiming for a capacity of approximately 11,200 MW.

This initiative is being evaluated for its potential to enhance India’s energy and water security, aid in flood management, and promote regional development.

Additionally, its strategic importance has been associated with worries about potential upstream activities in the Brahmaputra basin.

However, the project has raised alarms among some local residents regarding its possible social and environmental impacts, particularly for downstream communities.

The ongoing PFR process aims to evaluate the project's feasibility and technical aspects before any construction decisions are made.

The state government has reiterated that a thorough feasibility assessment is essential before determining the project's future.

In September, Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the necessity of the PFR to confirm the project's technical viability, assuring that the government would not hasten beyond this stage.

To further enhance this process, the state Cabinet approved a high-level committee in September to supervise PFR survey activities in Siang and Upper Siang districts, with Tasing appointed as its chairman.