Pasighat: A two-member delegation of the East Siang Downstream District Affected People’s Forum (ESDDAPF) met Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu at Pasighat on August 10, 2026, and submitted a memorandum expressing the concerns and apprehensions of downstream communities likely to be affected by the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), also referred to as the Upper Siang Multi-Purpose Storage Project.
The delegation comprised ESDDAPF President Oni Tamuk and General Secretary Jobomchang Mengu. During the meeting, the delegation presented the concerns, sentiments and apprehensions of people living in downstream areas that may be impacted by the proposed project.
According to ESDDAPF, the Chief Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the delegation and assured them that the memorandum would be discussed with the concerned government authorities.
A key outcome of the meeting was an assurance that a mass meeting and consultation would be convened with representatives of ESDDAPF and village representatives from downstream areas likely to be affected by SUMP.
The proposed consultation is expected to provide a broader platform for affected communities to directly present their concerns and views to the state government.
ESDDAPF termed the assurance a positive step towards ensuring that the voices of downstream communities are considered before major decisions concerning the project are taken.
The Forum maintained that the concerns of downstream people should be addressed through meaningful consultation, transparency and direct participation of affected communities.
It also reiterated its commitment to pursuing the interests of downstream affected people through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means.
The Forum said it looks forward to the proposed mass consultation with the state government and expressed hope that the concerns of affected communities would receive due consideration in the decision-making process concerning SUMP.