The stalemate over the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh continued on Sunday, with state minister Ojing Tasing saying the government cannot compromise on matters related to national security.
Tasing, who represents the Pangin Assembly constituency in Siang district, also claimed that more than 80 per cent of people in villages likely to be affected by the proposed project support its implementation.
The minister said the project was important not only from the perspective of power generation but also for national security and flood moderation, particularly in view of infrastructure development taking place upstream in China.
“National security is a central subject, and the state government has no say in such matters. The state cannot compromise on issues concerning national security,” Tasing said.
His remarks come amid continued opposition to the project in the Siang belt, where several indigenous organisations have raised concerns over its possible environmental and social impact.
The proposed project, with an installed capacity of 11,000 MW, is planned to be executed by NHPC Limited. The project has remained a contentious issue in the region, with sections of the local population and indigenous organisations opposing it.
The Siang region is largely inhabited by members of the indigenous Adi community. Concerns have been raised over the possible impact of the project on land, livelihoods, the environment and communities that could be affected by its construction.
Tasing, however, urged local residents not to obstruct development initiatives supported by the government. He said maintaining peace and law and order was essential for the overall development of the region.
The minister’s statement also highlighted the government’s position that the proposed project has significance beyond its role as a major hydropower initiative. According to Tasing, its location and potential role in flood moderation and border-related infrastructure make it a matter with wider strategic implications.
At the same time, opposition to the project has continued in the Siang belt, with local organisations maintaining concerns over its environmental and social consequences.
