BOLENG, September 29, 2026: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday reiterated that the government is not seeking to rush the proposed Siang Upper Multi-Purpose 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 could technically be developed.
Addressing an interaction programme with government officers and officials of Siang district at Boleng, Khandu said the PFR is the immediate priority and should be completed without further delay. He said the study is expected to take about three months, covering November, December and January, after which there would be greater clarity on the feasibility, location and technical parameters of the proposed project.
“If the experts determine after the PFR that the project cannot be built, there will be no further process,” Khandu said, stressing that technical clarity is essential before any decision is taken on subsequent stages.
According to the Chief Minister, the PFR will examine whether the proposed structure is technically feasible in Arunachal Pradesh’s Seismic Zone V, the level of protection it could provide against a possible release of water from upstream, and whether suitable locations exist for construction. If the project is found technically feasible, subsequent stages would include Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
Khandu said the SUMP should not be viewed merely as a conventional hydropower project, but should also be examined in the context of wider national security and strategic considerations. He said the issue was not about his personal interest or that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but about India’s national security and defence preparedness.
Referring to the large water infrastructure project announced by China in 2021, Khandu said India and Bangladesh had sought details and discussions from the Chinese side regarding the project and water-sharing concerns, but those requests had not been accepted. He also referred to existing water-diversion routes in China and proposals to divert water towards its northern dry belt.
The Chief Minister said the proposed SUMP therefore needs to be examined scientifically and technically rather than being accepted or rejected without adequate assessment. He assured that the government would undertake extensive consultations with affected communities if the project proceeds beyond the feasibility stage.
Khandu said that once a technically feasible location is identified, the government would engage with Gram Panchayats, villages and local communities through detailed presentations and point-by-point discussions. He said SIA, EIA and DPR would precede any subsequent action.
The Chief Minister also clarified that land acquisition, assessment of agricultural and horticultural assets, and Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R) would be separate components. Affected villages would be consulted regarding relocation, including the choice of location, while those whose land is acquired would receive compensation according to applicable rules. He also highlighted the need to provide roads, schools, electricity and water facilities in relocated settlements.
Khandu further assured that even after completion of the PFR, if public hearings and consultations establish that the project should not proceed, people would have an opportunity to oppose it through the prescribed process.
Emphasising the importance of direct engagement with local communities, Khandu said he would undertake an extensive tour of Siang during his next visit and meet villagers wherever required. He said he was prepared to spend a week or even 10 days in the area, visiting villages suggested by local officers and community representatives and personally listening to their concerns and questions.
“My duty is to tell you everything. My duty is to listen to your questions. It is our responsibility,” he said.
On the possible economic implications, the Chief Minister said the proposed project could represent one of the country’s largest investments. He estimated the investment initially at around Rs 1.5 lakh crore, with the potential to reach Rs 2 lakh crore.
He said such an investment could generate economic activity and employment opportunities for local youth in areas including construction, road building, quarrying, supply of aggregates and sand, transportation and other ancillary activities.
Khandu urged government officers and officials to understand the project comprehensively and facilitate informed public discussion, while cautioning against allowing misinformation or uncertainty to dominate the discourse surrounding the proposed project.
