Pasighat West MLA and former Union Minister Ninong Ering has expressed support for mega dam projects and urged people to take an informed and positive approach towards the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh.
Speaking to the media, Ering said large dam projects could contribute to flood control, irrigation and regional development if adequate safety measures were put in place and the concerns of affected communities were properly addressed. His remarks come at a time when the proposed project has become a subject of debate in the Siang region, with sections of local communities raising concerns over its possible environmental and social impact.
Ering referred to major projects such as the Bhakra Nangal and Hirakud dams, saying India had experience in building large dams and incorporating measures for earthquake resistance. He also pointed to rehabilitation and relocation arrangements for people affected by such projects, besides the possibility of tourism and other economic activities developing around reservoirs and project areas.
“I am 72 years old, and I was a member of the Brahmaputra Flood Control team in the 1970s. Since then, I have been in favour of mega dams to control floods and support irrigation,” Ering said.
On the SUMP, Ering stressed that a proper assessment should be carried out before any decision is taken on the project. He urged people to allow the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) to proceed so that the potential of the Siang River, along with the possible benefits and challenges of the proposed project, could be assessed.
The proposed SUMP has been discussed as a major hydropower and multipurpose project for the Siang region. Earlier government records have listed the Upper Siang project at around 9,750 MW, with flood moderation among its proposed objectives.
Ering also acknowledged concerns over seismic activity in the Northeast, noting that the region falls within a seismically active zone. He said such risks needed to be taken into account while planning and implementing major infrastructure projects. He also referred to China’s plans for a major hydropower project and stressed the need for appropriate precautions.
The MLA’s comments come amid continuing discussions between the Arunachal Pradesh government and communities in the Siang and Upper Siang areas. Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on September 29 that the SUMP would move to the next stage only if the ongoing PFR establishes that the project is technically viable. He said completion of the PFR was the government’s immediate priority and that no decision on further work would be taken before its findings were available.
The project has also faced opposition from sections of local communities, who have raised concerns over the PFR activities and the possible impact on people and the environment. The government has maintained that consultations with communities are necessary as the assessment process continues.
