ITANAGAR, Sep 29: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday reiterated that the government does not intend to rush the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) beyond the feasibility stage, but wants the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) completed to enable an informed decision on whether, where and how the project can technically be developed.
“If the experts determine after the PFR that the project cannot be built, there will be no further process,” Khandu said while addressing an interaction programme with government officers and staff of Siang district at Boleng.
He said completion of the PFR was the immediate priority and should not be delayed, as it would provide technical clarity on the feasibility, possible location and other parameters of the proposed project.
According to Khandu, the PFR is expected to take about three months, covering November, December and January. It would examine, among other aspects, whether the proposed structure is technically feasible in Arunachal Pradesh’s Seismic Zone V, the level of protection it could potentially provide against a possible release of water from upstream, and whether suitable sites are available for construction.
He said if the project is found technically feasible, subsequent stages would involve Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) as per applicable laws and procedures.
Khandu said SUMP should not be viewed solely as a conventional hydropower project, but also in the context of wider national strategic and security considerations.
Referring to China’s proposed water infrastructure projects, he stressed the need for India to examine the implications scientifically and technically rather than accepting or rejecting the proposed project without adequate assessment.
The Chief Minister assured that extensive consultations with affected communities would be undertaken if SUMP progresses beyond the feasibility stage. Once a technically feasible location is identified, the government would engage with Gram Panchayats, villages and local communities through detailed presentations and discussions, he said.
Khandu also clarified that land acquisition, assessment of agricultural and horticultural assets, and relief and rehabilitation are separate components of the process. Villages likely to be affected by relocation would be consulted on the choice of relocation sites, while land acquired for the project would be compensated according to applicable rules. He said relocated settlements would also need basic infrastructure such as roads, schools, electricity and water supply.
He further said that even after completion of the PFR, if public hearings and consultations indicate that the project should not proceed, the prescribed process would provide an opportunity for people to express their opposition.
Emphasising direct engagement with communities, Khandu said he would undertake an extensive tour of Siang during his next visit and meet villagers wherever necessary. He said he was prepared to spend a week or even 10 days in the region to visit villages suggested by local officials and community representatives and personally hear their concerns.
“My duty is to tell you everything. My duty is to listen to your questions. It is our responsibility,” he said.
On the potential economic implications, Khandu estimated that the proposed project could involve an investment of around Rs 1.5 lakh crore initially, potentially rising to Rs 2 lakh crore. He said such investment could generate economic activity and employment opportunities for local youth in construction, road building, quarrying, supply of aggregates and sand, transportation and other ancillary sectors.
The Chief Minister urged the district officials to develop a comprehensive understanding of the proposed project and facilitate informed discussions among the people, saying that clarity and factual information were important to address uncertainty surrounding the SUMP.