Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has emphasized the urgent need to include indigenous voices in the planning and implementation of the Siang hydro project. Addressing a public gathering in the Siang region, the Chief Minister reassured locals that the project will not proceed without their consent and participation. His remarks came amid growing community support, signalling a shift in local attitudes once marked by skepticism and concern.
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Community Consent Gains Central Role
The Siang hydro project—a massive hydropower venture on the Siang River—has long been viewed with both hope and apprehension. Locals have raised fears over displacement, environmental loss, and the erosion of tribal culture. However, CM Khandu made it clear that this time, the indigenous communities will not be sidelined.
“Development cannot come at the cost of identity and livelihood. Indigenous people will be at the center of every major decision,” Khandu said.
This declaration comes after extensive rounds of community consultations and Gram Sabhas, where residents began to show cautious optimism. The administration’s revised approach focuses on empowerment rather than imposition.
Shifting Sentiments as Engagement Increases
Recent visits by district officials, environmental engineers, and tribal welfare representatives have helped the community better understand the project’s scope and potential benefits. These include local employment, enhanced road connectivity, healthcare facilities, and better schooling infrastructure—all funded through corporate social responsibility (CSR) linked to the hydro initiative.
“Involving us means respecting our knowledge of the land and its rhythm,” said a local elder from the Adi community. “If our rights are respected, we can support this.”
This growing support marks a significant shift from earlier protests that had delayed previous phases of the Siang hydro project.
A Sustainable Model of Development
CM Khandu also hinted at making the Siang project a model of sustainable hydropower development. He proposed that a joint council of environmentalists, tribal elders, and engineers be formed to oversee implementation, ensuring that riverine ecology and native settlements remain unharmed.
This collaborative body would also monitor land acquisition, displacement packages, and cultural preservation initiatives. Khandu believes this will set a national precedent for indigenous-friendly development.
“We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building trust and a future for our people,” he said.
Strategic Importance for the Northeast
The Siang hydro project holds strategic value beyond state borders. As the northeastern frontier shares a sensitive international boundary with China, robust infrastructure becomes crucial for national security. The hydropower generated here could strengthen the region’s power grid and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Moreover, with inter-state river disputes and growing water stress in mainland India, effective utilization of Arunachal’s river systems has become a national priority. However, Khandu reiterated that development will not outpace dialogue.
“No plan will be executed without fully addressing people’s concerns,” he assured.
A Step Toward Inclusive Governance
The move to integrate indigenous communities reflects a broader trend in Arunachal Pradesh’s governance. The state has already launched multiple welfare schemes tailored for tribal youth, women, and farmers. Khandu’s government sees the Siang hydro project not just as a dam, but as a transformative engine for regional development.
Already, skill training programs are being organized in Pasighat and Boleng to equip locals with the technical know-how needed for upcoming project phases. Scholarships and community funds have been earmarked to support affected families.
Expert Opinions Welcome the Shift
Environmental activists and policy analysts have cautiously welcomed the CM’s initiative. They note that indigenous stewardship of natural resources is often more sustainable than top-down development.
“Indigenous communities are natural guardians of the ecosystem. Empowering them means protecting both people and planet,” said Dr. Anjali Mehta, an environmental governance expert.
Still, they urge the state government to maintain transparency and ensure that promises do not remain on paper. For many, the project’s success will depend on how inclusive and honest the process proves to be in the long run.
Way Forward: A Joint Future
The narrative around the Siang hydro project is gradually shifting—from one of tension to one of cooperation. The people of Siang are not rejecting development, but they demand respect and representation. CM Khandu’s assurances, if implemented well, could build a template for development that is inclusive, respectful, and locally driven.
As Arunachal prepares to harness its hydropower potential, it appears ready to write a new chapter—one that celebrates both progress and preservation.
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