BOLENG, SEP 29:
Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday said the government was not seeking to rush the proposed Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project (SUMP) beyond the feasibility stage, stressing that the immediate priority was to complete the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) to determine whether, where and how the proposed project could 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 interacting with government officers and officials of Siang district at Boleng.
He said the PFR, expected to take about three months from November to January, would provide greater clarity on the project’s technical feasibility, proposed location and other parameters. Among other aspects, it would examine whether the proposed structure could technically be developed in Arunachal Pradesh’s Seismic Zone V, the level of protection it could provide against a possible release of water upstream and the suitability of potential locations.
Khandu said that 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.
The Chief Minister said SUMP should not be viewed merely as a conventional hydropower project, describing it instead as a proposed national project with wider strategic and security implications. Referring to China’s large water infrastructure plans, he said the project needed to be examined from scientific, technical and strategic perspectives before any further decision was taken.
Khandu assured that the government would undertake extensive consultations with affected communities if the project proceeds beyond the feasibility stage. He said Gram Panchayats, villages and local communities would be engaged once a technically feasible location was identified, with detailed presentations and discussions on the project.
He also said issues relating to land acquisition, assessment of agricultural and horticultural assets and Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R) would be dealt with separately. According to him, affected villages would be consulted on relocation, including the choice of sites, while land acquired for the project would be compensated in accordance with applicable rules. He also referred to the need for roads, schools, electricity and water supply in relocated settlements.
Khandu further said that even after the PFR, if public hearings and consultations establish that the project should not proceed, the prescribed process would provide an opportunity for the project not to be taken forward.
Emphasising direct engagement with local communities, the Chief Minister said he would undertake an extensive tour of Siang during his next visit and meet villagers at locations suggested by local officers and community representatives. He said he was prepared to spend a week or even 10 days in the area to hear people’s 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 potential economic implications, Khandu estimated the proposed investment at around Rs 1.5 lakh crore initially, potentially rising to Rs 2 lakh crore. He said such an investment could generate economic activity and employment opportunities for local youth in construction, road building, quarrying, transportation, supply of aggregates and sand and other ancillary sectors.
The Chief Minister urged officers and officials to understand the project comprehensively and facilitate informed discussion on the proposal.
