CM Khandu Highlights National Significance of Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

Itanagar, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project located in Siang district is recognized as a project of national significance, conceived by the Government of India and the NITI Aayog, stated Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday while addressing the protests against the initiative.

During the 'Thanksgiving' event for local legislator and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing's electoral success in Boleng, the Chief Minister remarked to the audience: “If you oppose a dam or a hydropower project, it will not be constructed. Case closed.”

“However,” he continued, “This matter is not merely about hydropower; it concerns a multipurpose project of national importance as envisioned by the Government of India and NITI Aayog.

Khandu pointed out that misinformation is being disseminated to mislead innocent villagers regarding a project that is not yet even in its preliminary stages.

He insisted that those instigating the protests are confused about the actual capacity of the project, claiming it to be either 12,500 MW, 11,000 MW, or 10,000 MW.

“As the Chief Minister, I am not informed about the exact power output the project will yield, and even the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is unaware of this. How can anyone ascertain the project’s capacity when the survey and investigation have not even commenced?” he queried.

Khandu emphasized that the project is not solely focused on hydropower generation.

“The generation of hydropower is merely a by-product of the multipurpose project. The primary aim is to safeguard the Ane Siang and the Adi society, which has a deep-rooted connection with the river,” he stated.

He elaborated that China has approved the construction of a project that could produce around 60,000 MW on the river, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in the Tibet region, just before it enters India through Tuting in Upper Siang.

He disclosed that the Chinese government, which is not a party to the International Water Conventions, plans to divert water from the multiple reservoirs created under the project to arid regions of Tibet and elsewhere in the country.

“In this scenario, it is likely that the water volume in the Siang river will significantly decrease, to the point where one could cross the once-mighty Siang on foot in winter. Would you want such a situation? I certainly wouldn’t,” Khandu cautioned.

Additionally, he mentioned that if China were to suddenly release water from their dams, it could unleash a wave of catastrophic destruction across the Siang belt, Assam, and Bangladesh.

“Yes, we are hopeful that ongoing bilateral discussions with China will improve relations, but we cannot afford to be complacent and must prepare for unforeseen circumstances,” Khandu remarked.

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has been proposed by the central government to ensure the natural flow of water in the river throughout the year and to manage floods in case of water release by China.

Khandu reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh possesses about 50 percent of the country’s hydropower potential, stating that the 12,500 MW expected from projects with signed MoUs with PSUs will generate approximately Rs 10,000 crore annually for the state’s treasury.

“Please note that the 12,500 MW mentioned does not include the Siang project. We still do not know the power output this project will produce if it is executed,” he added.

Countering rumors that the government intends to forcefully implement the project with armed police, Khandu stated, “We are a democratic nation. We do not believe in imposing projects on our people. We aim to gain the confidence of even the last individual in line.”

He welcomed inquiries and acknowledged that confusion is inevitable but urged the community to come forward for clarifications.

“Only after conducting surveys and investigations will we determine the dam’s location, height, and the extent of the submergence area. Following this will be the public hearing phase where all voices will be heard. There are numerous steps with careful regulations and guidelines before a project commences. We have not yet begun, yet the uproar has already started,” he pointed out.

The Chief Minister called upon the committee led by former minister and senior leader of the Adi community, Tamio Taga, to engage with everyone, especially the villagers, to dispel all uncertainties and misunderstandings.

“Take your time. Resolve your doubts. We are not rushing,” he added.

Local residents, spearheaded by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), continue to protest against the preliminary study for the proposed 12,500-MW hydropower project, which is part of the ambitious multipurpose initiative in Upper Siang district.

Frequently, villagers, including women, organize rallies and demonstrations opposing the project, the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), and the state government.