runachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is likely to visit Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts to meet local residents, village elders, civil society organisations and community groups over concerns surrounding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
The proposed visit comes amid continuing discussions between the state government and local organisations over the mega project, with sections of the community raising objections to the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities.
Khandu has maintained that the state government is open to dialogue on the project and is willing to hear concerns raised by organisations, including the Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) and other community bodies in the Siang region.
The Chief Minister has also said that the government is not forcing the SUMP project on local people and indicated that consultations and discussions would continue before taking the process forward.
The project, however, has faced opposition from sections of local residents and organisations. The ABK-U has publicly called for the PFR activities to be stopped, reflecting concerns over the survey and other activities being undertaken in connection with the proposed project.
The SUMP has consequently become a major issue of discussion in Siang and Upper Siang, with government representatives emphasising the need for dialogue while community organisations continue to raise questions over the project and the ongoing survey-related activities.
In a related development, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet recently approved the constitution of an Empowered High-Level Committee to guide and coordinate the PFR survey and associated activities for the SUMP. The committee will also facilitate engagement with communities in Siang and Upper Siang.
Khandu’s proposed visit is expected to provide an opportunity for direct interaction between the government and local organisations. Community representatives are likely to place their concerns and views before the Chief Minister during the visit.
