Itanagar | The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the formation of an empowered high-level committee to oversee and coordinate the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey and related activities for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Siang and Upper Siang districts.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The government said the committee would work to ensure that the survey process is transparent, peaceful and people-centric. The panel will be headed by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing. Chief Minister’s Advisor and Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang and Geku-Mariyang MLA Oni Panyang will serve as members.

The Cabinet noted that the SUMP was declared a National Project by the Centre in 2008. It said the proposed project could contribute to water and energy security, help moderate floods in the Siang-Brahmaputra basin, create employment and support long-term socio-economic development in the region.

Government stresses community engagement

The Cabinet also took note of concerns raised by sections of the population in Siang and Upper Siang over what it described as misinformation and disinformation surrounding the project. At the same time, it stressed that the PFR survey must involve meaningful and continuous engagement with residents of the two districts.

The government said the concerns, welfare and aspirations of project-affected families and local communities would remain central to the process. It also said development efforts would have to take into account local traditions and community interests. The Cabinet expressed hope that continued dialogue would enable the survey to proceed peacefully.

Resistance over PFR activities

The decision comes amid protests by sections of villagers and community organisations in the Siang region against the proposed project and ongoing PFR-related activities. Residents of Komkar and neighbouring areas recently protested against proposed PFR activities at Uggeng, one of the identified dam sites. Villagers raised concerns over drilling, land and livelihood issues and the manner in which agreements related to the survey were reached.

Several community groups have also called for the PFR activities to be stopped, citing concerns over possible displacement, environmental impacts and protection of indigenous rights.

The Adi Bané Kébang United (ABKU), for instance, has demanded that the proposed project be scrapped and PFR work halted.

The SUMP is envisaged as a major hydropower and water-management project in the Siang region. While the government has highlighted its potential for power generation, flood moderation and regional development, sections of local communities have expressed concerns over the possible impact on ancestral land, forests, the Siang river ecosystem, traditional rights and livelihoods.

The formation of the high-level committee comes as the state government seeks to advance the PFR process while addressing opposition and concerns among communities in the proposed project area.