Arunachal CM Advocates Indigenous Participation in Siang Hydro Project Amid Rising Local Support

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged officials to ensure active participation of indigenous communities in the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), an 11,000 MW hydropower initiative. At a review meeting in Itanagar, Khandu stressed the importance of incorporating local feedback throughout the project. Early grassroots support is emerging, with villages like Riga and Pangkang endorsing the pre-feasibility report. Proposed by NHPC in 2009, SUMP aims to provide power, irrigation, and flood control. The project could host one of India’s largest reservoirs. Further community consultations will focus on transparency and environmental safeguards as the project progresses.