Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has emphasised the need for public consultation and consensus on the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), saying major development projects cannot move forward in a democracy without the support of local communities.
Amid continuing concerns over the project, Khandu said the state government was willing to engage with organisations and departments from the Siang region to address their concerns.
He said he had personally invited the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), which has opposed the project, for a discussion scheduled on October 5.
“We can sit and discuss everything, what are your complaints, what are your problems and how can we address them,” Khandu said, expressing hope that SIFF representatives would participate in the meeting.
The Chief Minister also sought to clarify the current status of the project, saying the ongoing Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) exercise should not be interpreted as the beginning of dam construction.
According to Khandu, the PFR involves only preliminary technical studies, including the collection of rock samples. He said the exercise would not involve land acquisition or the loss of agricultural or forest land.
A decision on whether the project is technically and economically viable would be taken only after the PFR is completed, Khandu said. If the project is found feasible, subsequent stages would include a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
He said public consultations would be mandatory during the subsequent stages, adding that any final decision on construction would be taken after consultations with affected communities and landowners.
“Right now, people are talking about whether a dam will be built or not. The picture of a dam does not even arise yet. First, there is only the PFR,” Khandu said.
Khandu also highlighted the potential benefits of the proposed project for downstream communities, particularly in terms of flood moderation, if it is eventually constructed.
Addressing recent incidents of violence linked to opposition to the project, including an attack on an MLA’s residence and damage to vehicles belonging to paramilitary forces, Khandu said peaceful protest was a legitimate democratic right.
However, he said acts involving violence, destruction of property or attacks on residences could not be considered legitimate forms of protest.
Khandu said damaging vehicles, setting property on fire or attacking houses amounted to criminal acts and constituted taking the law into one’s own hands.
He added that police had been directed to take action in accordance with the law against those involved in damaging public or private property.