Arunachal Government Steps Up Review on Siang Hydropower Plan as Pema Khandu Stresses Dialogue Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu convened the first empowered panel meet in Yingkiong on the 11,000 MW Siang project, noting that feasibility studies do not mean final approval. Amid persistent local demonstrations regarding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited Boleng and Yingkiong on Tuesday, advocating sustained engagement as the administration moves ahead with preliminary technical reviews. Empowered High-Level Committee Convenes in Yingkiong During his visit, Khandu chaired the inaugural session of the Empowered High-Level Committee for SUMP at Yingkiong, taking stock of field arrangements for the proposed pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey across Siang and Upper Siang districts. Formed by the state Cabinet, the specialized panel operates under the leadership of Minister Ojing Tasing. Its primary remit is to coordinate and oversee the PFR survey, an initial operational assessment aimed at establishing the technical viability and broader implications of the venture. Feasibility Survey Does Not Equal Final Clearance Addressing apprehensions surrounding the initiative, Khandu clarified that undertaking the PFR does not equate to granting final clearance, nor does it guarantee the immediate construction of the proposed hydropower infrastructure. He emphasized that the assessment process must maintain total transparency, remaining comprehensive while actively incorporating the reservations of local indigenous communities along with the fragile geographical and ecological conditions of the valley. Reflecting on the deliberations, Khandu wrote on X that he chaired the first meeting of the committee in Yingkiong to supervise the PFR survey. Pointing out the necessity of mutual consultation, Khandu said, “Dialogue matters,” while underscoring that public consultation must remain central to shaping the long-term future of the Siang belt. He noted that the government has an obligation to act prudently today, as present policy choices carry significant consequences for generations to come. 18-Year Wait for an 11,000 MW Strategic Asset The SUMP initiative has been formulated as a mega-scale power generation and water resource management project featuring a projected installed capacity of roughly 11,000 MW. The central government accorded it the status of a National Project back in 2008. Despite that recognition, the development has stayed stalled for nearly 18 years owing to multiple administrative, environmental, and socio-political factors. According to the state administration, the completed project holds significant promise for bolstering regional energy and water security, moderating severe seasonal floods across the lower Siang-Brahmaputra river basin, unlocking major employment avenues, and driving sustainable socio-economic growth across the state. What this means for you This administrative move carries direct implications for regional energy planning and local communities residing in the Siang valley. • Across India: Advancing this 11,000 MW mega hydropower project could significantly bolster national power capacity and long-term water security. Regulating river discharge at this scale would also help mitigate catastrophic recurring floods throughout the downstream Brahmaputra basin. • In Arunachal Pradesh: Residents and landowners in Siang and Upper Siang face no immediate displacement, as current actions are restricted entirely to preliminary PFR technical evaluations. Local citizens will have opportunities to raise ecological and rehabilitation concerns during the upcoming committee-supervised dialogue sessions. • Employment Prospects: If eventually realized, the infrastructure initiative will generate large volumes of direct and indirect employment for youth across northeastern states. Ancillary development around project hubs typically accelerates road connectivity, communication networks, and local commercial enterprise. • Environmental Assessment: The technical review will evaluate local topography and hydrology, determining whether large-scale construction can proceed safely in ecologically delicate terrain. Baseline data gathered during the survey will shape future policy decisions and safety standards. Why this happened The review was triggered by ongoing community pushback and an 18-year stalemate over developing the high-capacity Siang river project. • Direct Trigger: Persistent grassroots opposition across the Siang belt prompted Chief Minister Pema Khandu to visit Yingkiong and Boleng to engage stakeholders directly and prevent further unrest. • Historical Impasse: Despite receiving National Project status from the central government in 2008, the 11,000 MW initiative has languished for nearly 18 years due to deep local anxieties over land rights and ecology. • Need for Baseline Data: The state Cabinet instituted the Empowered High-Level Committee under Minister Ojing Tasing to supervise a preliminary feasibility survey, determining whether the geography can safely sustain the proposed reservoir. • Policy Balance: The administration seeks to balance strategic energy generation and flood management objectives with public consent, avoiding unilateral decisions by mandating consultative dialogue before taking any final building decisions. Questions & Answers 1. What is the projected power generation capacity of the Siang project? The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has an estimated installed capacity of around 11,000 MW. 2. Who chaired the first empowered committee meeting on the project? Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu chaired the inaugural meeting held in Yingkiong. 3. Who heads the Empowered High-Level Committee for SUMP? The Cabinet-constituted committee is headed by Minister Ojing Tasing. 4. Does conducting the PFR survey imply final approval for the dam? No, the Chief Minister clarified that the survey does not equal final project approval or automatic construction. 5. When did the Siang project receive National Project status? The central government granted it National Project status in 2008, though it has remained stalled for nearly 18 years. 6. In which districts is the pre-feasibility survey planned? The pre-feasibility report survey is planned across Siang and Upper Siang districts. https://trendkia.com/en/arunachal-pradesh/siang-bahuuddeshiya-pariyojana-para-sarakara-ne-shuru-ki-samiksha-pema-khandu-ne-batachita-ke-jarie-samadhana-para-diya-jora-40408 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.