ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday accused outside activists of misleading locals about the 12,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, asserting that the initiative is far more than just a dam.
Speaking after inaugurating an integrated sports complex and other facilities at the Police Training Centre in Banderdewa, Khandu said misinformation was being spread to create confusion among the public.
“This is not just about constructing a dam; it is a multipurpose project that will benefit the state in multiple ways. However, some people are deliberately creating doubts in the minds of locals,” he said.
Khandu claimed that activists from outside Arunachal Pradesh were staying in villages and spreading falsehoods about the project.
“I assure you, I will address these concerns. Tomorrow, I will present the viewpoints of both the state and central governments to clarify the situation,” he added.
While affirming his government’s commitment to democratic rights, Khandu stressed the importance of providing accurate information to the public about the project.
Meanwhile, protests erupted in Komkar village, Upper Siang district, against the dam project.
Villagers, primarily women, staged demonstrations citing concerns over displacement, loss of ancestral lands, and threats to biodiversity.
Protesters accused the government of violating their rights and demanded the withdrawal of security forces and the suspension of project activities.
They held banners and placards, raising slogans against the state’s handling of the project.
The protest comes as Khandu is set to visit Boleng in Siang district on Thursday to inaugurate the district hospital and circuit house.
The Siang district administration recently faced backlash after asking village leaders to assist in preparing accommodations for a CAPF team conducting a pre-feasibility report (PFR) in Riew village.
The request, which was part of preparations for the dam project, sparked outrage among locals and activists.
The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and other groups have demanded a halt to the PFR, insisting that proper consent from stakeholders is required.
They argue that the project threatens the region’s environment and the livelihoods of local communities.
Activists have also criticized the deployment of security forces, calling it an intimidation tactic.
“The heavy security presence is meant to suppress opposition from affected families who have already rejected the project,” said anti-dam activist Ebo Mili.
The controversy is further complicated by a 2022 Gauhati High Court order cancelling all 44 proposed dam projects on the Siang River.
The court had cited procedural lapses, and the state government had assured that the projects would not proceed.
Despite the court ruling, activists allege that the government is pushing forward with surveys and pre-feasibility activities for the Siang project.
Groups such as SIFF, All Adi Welfare Society, and Bango Students Union have staged protests to demand compliance with the court order and respect for local consent.
Residents of Parong village have also filed complaints against NHPC, accusing the power company of forcing surveys without proper approvals.
As tensions mount, the Arunachal government faces growing pressure to address public concerns and ensure transparency in its approach to the Siang project.
Khandu’s upcoming visit to the region is expected to be a crucial moment in navigating the controversy surrounding one of the state’s largest development initiatives.
