ITANAGAR, OCT 14:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh, on Wednesday defended the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), highlighting its strategic significance for national security, water resource management and the state’s long-term development while responding to allegations by Congress leaders.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office here, Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak and state Information and Public Relations Minister Nyato Dokum urged the opposition to examine the project’s history and strategic implications before making public statements.
Tagak said SUMP was initiated in 1983 under the Brahmaputra Board and accorded National Project status in 2008 during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
He said the project’s strategic importance had gained renewed attention in 2019 amid reports of a proposed large-scale hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet under Chinese control. Referring to reports of a proposed 60,000-megawatt project, he said developments across the border had reinforced the need to examine water resource management and strategic preparedness in the region.
Tagak maintained that SUMP should not be viewed solely as a hydropower project but also in the context of national security, water management and the long-term interests of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast.
Appealing to the Congress to adopt a responsible approach, he said discussions on projects of such significance should be guided by facts and informed debate rather than politically motivated allegations that could create confusion and apprehension among the public.
He said India possessed the technology and technical expertise required to undertake major hydropower projects, adding that national agencies were prepared to conduct the necessary surveys and assessments. However, he expressed concern that even preliminary procedures, including the preparation of the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), were facing obstacles.
Tagak stressed that a PFR is an initial stage of project assessment that examines feasibility and potential locations, and should not be mistaken for an immediate decision to begin construction. He called for preliminary surveys and technical studies to proceed so that the project could be assessed on its merits.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s geographical and strategic position, he said the state’s proximity to the international border and its Himalayan river systems made scientific water resource management and strategic infrastructure development particularly important.
He also referred to flood-related disasters in the Himalayan region and cited the Kosi Barrage as an example of water infrastructure intended to help manage river flows. He said transboundary river management required long-term planning, scientific assessment and strategic foresight.
Dokum reiterated that hydropower projects could contribute to Arunachal Pradesh’s economic growth by strengthening infrastructure, generating employment, promoting local development and supporting the country’s energy security.
The BJP said the development of SUMP and other hydropower projects should be assessed objectively, with due consideration for environmental safeguards, technical assessments and public consultation.
The party made an appeal to political parties, public representatives and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue on major development projects, taking into account their historical background, strategic implications and potential contribution to the future of Arunachal Pradesh and the country.
