CHIEF MINISTER ARUNACHAL PRADESH
My beloved Adi Brothers and Sisters,
Over the past few months, I have seen the growing confusion and apprehension surrounding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. I understand why our mothers, elders, youth and families are worried about what may happen to their land, their homes and Aane Siang. When people hear different and sometimes conflicting versions. fear and uncertainty are natural. It is therefore my responsibility to speak to you directly, place the facts before you honestly, listen to your concerns and ensure that the way forward is built on dialogue, trust and collaboration.
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, which was declared a National Project by the Government of India on 7th February 2008 after a decision by the Union Cabinet. At present, it is one of only 16 National Projects in the country.
Many of you have questions about why preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Report for the Project is essential now. It has been widely reported in national and international media outlets that China has already begun construction of a dam in Medog County, around 40 km. from the border. on the Yarlung Tsangpo river on 19th July 2025. without consulting us or sharing any information. Our valley faces real water risks. from sudden and exceptionally high flows arriving with little warning to water scarcity in the dry winter months. especially since around 65% of the Aane Siang comes from China. We cannot control what happens upstream, but we can control what we do on our side. We must prepare and build resilience. The Siang UMP therefore could be one of the options which should be scientifically and technically explored to develop feasible options to maintain ecological flow in the Siang River and the Brahmaputra.
Let me be clear. We are not talking about dam construction at this stage. I assure each and every one of you that no decision has been made regarding construction of the Siang UMP by either the Government of India or the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. As I have said on multiple occasions, no decision can and will be made regarding construction of the Siang UMP without detailed and extensive public consultations and public consent, as is also legally mandated by both the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition. Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This is also a binding personal commitment from me to all the people of Siang and Upper Siang Districts, the entire Adi community and all the people of Arunachal Pradesh. At this time, we are only speaking about preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR). The PFR is the first step towards establishing the facts. It assesses the project’s basic feasibility and likely implications, providing the basis for further investigation and informed decision-making. The PFR will also help us understand other possible options which could be explored to save Aane Siang. It is not a final approval. nor does it by itself mean that the project will be built.
Decisions will come later, and only through open discussion and with your consent. Fear of uncertainty is understandable, but our promise is clarity, with a clear roadmap and continued support. We will never abandon our people midway.
Some people and groups are spreading false information about tne Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. They claim that a decision regarding dam has already been taken, that families will be forced from their homes and that land will be taken without consent. None of this is true. It hurts me to see our mothers. elders and youth losing sleep over things that are not happening. Our people deserve accurate information to understand the project, its strategic importance and the concerns associated with it
In a democracy. every voice matters. and disagreement is your right. Dialogue requires trust and mutual understanding. and we remain committed to dialogue. consent and finding a constructive way forward. We are committed to listening to you. understanding your concerns and addressing them with transparency.
Violence can never be the answer. Bandhs. blockades and attacks bring no solutions and only make our own people suffer. Those who choose violence, threaten our brothers and sisters or take the law into their own hands must clearly understand that no one is above the law.
I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum and all Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for their initiative to promote peace and dialogue in the Siang region Let us all give peace and progress a chance.
My dear brothers and sisters, Aane Siang has always brought us together Let us not hand our collective future to rumours, anger and misinformation. The decisions we make today will shape the future of the Siang region and the Adi community for generations to come.
I again appeal to all residents of Siang and Upper Siang Districts and all members of the Adi community to engage in free and frank discussions regarding the Siang UMP. All public representatives, Government officers and I are willing to discuss all issues regarding the project with each and every one of you Let us find the truth together and decide together, for Aane Siang. for our land and for our future generations.
Jai Hind! Jai Arunachal! Vande Mataram!
