Arunachal CM Pema Khandu Issues Detailed Clarification on Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, Says No Dam Decision Taken

SUNIL NEGI

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has issued a detailed open letter to his beloved Adi brothers and sisters of Siang and Upper Siang districts amid growing confusion and apprehension surrounding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

In his two-page letter bearing the State Emblem, the Chief Minister said he understands why mothers, elders, youth and families are worried about what may happen to their land, their homes and Aane Siang when they hear different and sometimes conflicting versions.

Explaining the background, Khandu said the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project was declared a National Project by the Government of India on 7th February 2008 after a decision by the Union Cabinet and is one of only 16 National Projects in the country.

He said many people have questioned why preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) is essential now. Khandu pointed out that China has already begun construction of a dam in Medog County, around 40 km from the border, on the Yarlung Tsangpo river on 19th July 2025, without consulting India or sharing any information. Our valley faces real water risks, from sudden and exceptionally high flows arriving with little warning to water scarcity in the dry winter months, especially since around 65% of the Aane Siang comes from China. “We cannot control what happens upstream, but we can control what we do on our side. We must prepare and build resilience,” he wrote.

The CM gave a clear assurance: *”Let me be clear. We are not talking about dam construction at this stage. I assure each and every one of you that no decision has been made regarding construction of the Siang UMP by either the Government of India or the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.”*

He added that no decision can and will be made without detailed and extensive public consultations and public consent, as is also legally mandated by both the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This is a binding personal commitment from him to all people of Siang and Upper Siang Districts, the entire Adi community and all people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Clarifying the current stage, Khandu said at this time, the government is only speaking about preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Report. The PFR is the first step towards establishing facts. It assesses the project’s basic feasibility and likely implications, providing the basis for further investigation and informed decision-making. It will also help understand other possible options which could be explored to save Aane Siang. It is not a final approval, nor does it by itself mean that the project will be built.

The Chief Minister said some people and groups are spreading false information that a decision regarding dam has already been taken, that families will be forced from their homes and that land will be taken without consent. “None of this is true. It hurts me to see our mothers, elders and youth losing sleep over things that are not happening.”

Appealing for peace, he said in a democracy, every voice matters and disagreement is your right. Dialogue requires trust and mutual understanding. “Violence can never be the answer. Bandhs, blockades and attacks bring no solutions and only make our own people suffer. Those who choose violence, threaten our brothers and sisters or take the law into their own hands must clearly understand that no one is above the law.”

He also extended sincere appreciation to the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum and all Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for their initiative to promote peace and dialogue in the Siang region.

“My dear brothers and sisters, Aane Siang has always brought us together. Let us not hand our collective future to rumours, anger and misinformation. The decisions we make today will shape the future of the Siang region and the Adi community for generations to come,” he said, appealing to all residents to engage in free and frank discussions.

He concluded with – Jai Hind! Jai Arunachal! Vande Mataram!