BUSINESS
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has claimed that misinformation is being spread to mislead villagers about the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). Speaking at a ‘Thanks Giving’ programme for local legislator and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing in Boleng, Siang district, Khandu addressed protests and concerns surrounding the project. The chief minister criticised individuals allegedly instigating protests against the project, stating that they were spreading confusion about the facility’s capacity. “As the chief minister, even I am not aware of the exact wattage of power the project will generate. NHPC is also not aware. How do you claim to know the capacity when the survey and investigation have not even begun?” Khandu questioned. Khandu assured the public that the project would not proceed without their consent. “If you don’t want a dam or a hydropower project, there will be no project… Chapter closed,” he said, emphasising that the people’s will remains paramount. Highlighting the broader significance of the SUMP, Khandu noted that the project is not solely about generating hydropower. “It is a multipurpose project of national importance, envisioned by the Government of India and NITI Aayog. Hydropower generation is a by-product. The real objective is to save the Siang River and the society connected with it since time immemorial,” he explained. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Khandu warned about the potential impacts of China’s hydropower developments on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as Siang in India. China has approved the construction of a massive project capable of generating about 60,000 MW of power on the river before it enters India through Tuting in Upper Siang. “In such a scenario, the volume of water in the Siang River will drastically reduce, so much so that during winters, one could cross the mighty Siang on foot. Would you like such a situation? I certainly won’t,” Khandu remarked. The chief minister emphasised the necessity of the multipurpose project to mitigate potential risks. “If Chinese authorities release water from their dams, it could lead to a trail of destruction through the Siang belt, Assam, and Bangladesh ,” he warned. While expressing optimism about improving relations with China through bilateral talks, Khandu cautioned against complacency. “We must prepare for all scenarios to safeguard our river and communities,” he concluded. None
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