Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu chaired a consultative meeting on September 21 to discuss the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The meeting brought together officers and officials from Siang and Upper Siang districts. It focused on the project’s technical aspects, significance and concerns among communities in the affected areas.
The meeting comes as the state government continues efforts to advance the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities. At the same time, some residents and community groups have raised concerns about the proposed project. The government has therefore stressed dialogue and wider consultations as it seeks to explain the project and address questions from local communities.
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CM Brings District Officials Into Consultation
Khandu said officers and officials from Siang and Upper Siang have an important role in discussions about the project. Many tribal officers maintain close connections with their respective communities. They also understand local aspirations, concerns and sentiments.
The Chief Minister said these insights can help the administration communicate more effectively with people in the project area. He also stressed the importance of understanding the questions and apprehensions that residents may have about SUMP.
The meeting provided officials with an opportunity to study the project’s technical details and discuss ways to explain them to communities.
Focus on the Pre-Feasibility Report
The current phase of SUMP involves the preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Report. The PFR will help assess various technical and other aspects of the proposed project before any decision on construction.
The state government has repeatedly clarified that PFR activities do not amount to final approval for construction. The Arunachal Pradesh government’s 2026 budget speech also stated that the government would not take a decision on dam construction without public consultations at every stage and compliance with the law.
This distinction remains important as officials continue their engagement with communities in Siang and Upper Siang.
Technical Experts Join the Discussions
The consultative process has also involved technical experts from central institutions. Khandu said experts from the National Dam Safety Authority, Central Water Commission and Geological Survey of India participated in discussions linked to the project.
Their involvement allows officials to examine technical questions surrounding the proposed development. It also provides a platform for government representatives to understand the project’s engineering and environmental aspects before further steps.
The government wants district-level officers to use accurate information when engaging with residents. This approach aims to reduce confusion and provide communities with clearer information about the project.
Government Emphasises Community Participation
Community participation remains a major issue in discussions around SUMP. Khandu has said that the government wants local people to remain part of the process.
He has also said that people who have questions or concerns should approach the administration for clarification. The Chief Minister recently stated that discussions on the PFR have continued for around two years and that several villages and residents have signed memorandums of understanding related to the survey work.
However, opposition remains in some areas. Community groups have raised concerns about the proposed project and its possible effects on people living in the Siang region. A delegation representing downstream communities also met Khandu in August and submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns and apprehensions.
Project Has National Significance
The Arunachal Pradesh government has described SUMP as a project of national and strategic importance. The state has linked the project with water management, flood moderation, energy generation and strategic considerations.
The government has also pointed to the importance of the Siang river and the need to understand developments that could affect water flows in the region.
In April, Khandu said the project could contribute to flood control, water regulation and the protection of downstream communities. He also said the project could support long-term economic and infrastructure development.
Government Says Dialogue Will Continue
The state government has indicated that it will continue engaging with communities as the project moves through the assessment stage. Khandu said he would visit Siang and Upper Siang to meet local employees, residents and community representatives.
He also said Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who handles the hydropower portfolio, would spend time in the two districts and engage with villagers.
The government’s outreach plan reflects its stated intention to discuss concerns at the local level. Khandu has also said that the administration remains open to clarifying doubts raised by residents and organisations.
Concerns Remain in Project-Affected Areas
While the government has continued to promote the project, some local groups remain opposed to the proposed development. Community organisations have questioned aspects of the project and expressed concerns about its possible impact on villages and the river ecosystem.
The Arunachal Times reported in September that the government faced resistance from local residents during efforts to carry out PFR activities. The report described the latest consultative meeting as part of the state’s efforts to move forward with the study while addressing local concerns.
These differing positions make consultation an important part of the project’s current stage.
No Final Construction Decision Yet
The government has maintained that the present PFR process should not be confused with a final construction decision. The assessment stage allows technical teams to examine the project’s feasibility and identify issues that require further study.
The state government’s 2026 budget documents also record a commitment to public consultation before any decision on construction. This means the next stages will involve further assessments, consultations and statutory processes.
Road Ahead for the Siang Project
The latest meeting shows that the Arunachal Pradesh government is continuing to engage with officials and technical experts as it works on the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The administration wants local officials to understand the project’s technical aspects and communicate accurate information to communities.
At the same time, concerns from residents and community groups remain part of the discussion. The government has stated that it will continue its outreach and provide opportunities for people to raise questions.
For now, SUMP remains at the pre-feasibility and consultation stage. The coming months will focus on technical studies, community engagement and discussions over the project’s possible implications for Siang and Upper Siang.