Arunachal CM rejects coercion claims over Siang River dam project

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has moved to counter accusations of governmental pressure surrounding the contentious Siang River dam project, asserting that the state is not resorting to coercive measures in advancing the infrastructure initiative.

The Chief Minister's statement follows a recent CBI case registration against Bhanu Tatak, a prominent activist opposing the mega dam development. Tatak faces allegations of receiving foreign funds in contravention of India's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, a charge that has intensified tensions around the project.

The Siang River dam remains a flashpoint in Arunachal Pradesh, with environmental and indigenous rights groups raising concerns about its ecological and social impact. The project has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny, with activists arguing that proper consultation with affected communities has not occurred.

Khandu's clarification seeks to portray government action as legitimate policymaking rather than suppression of dissent. The timing of the CBI case against Tatak, however, has fueled perceptions among project opponents that regulatory mechanisms are being weaponised to silence criticism.

The dispute underscores broader tensions in India between development imperatives and environmental protection, particularly in sensitive border regions where infrastructure projects carry strategic significance alongside commercial considerations.