Arunachal Pradesh clears committee for controversial Siang dam survey

The Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet has given the green light to a committee tasked with surveying the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, a proposed mega hydroelectric complex slated for development in the state. The project is estimated to have a generation capacity of 11,000 megawatts, positioning it as a significant infrastructure undertaking for the region.

The cabinet's approval paves the way for the committee to prepare a pre-feasibility report for the ambitious scheme. This initial assessment is a critical step toward determining the project's technical and economic viability before any major investment decisions are made.

However, the initiative has encountered opposition from villagers in the affected areas, who have voiced concerns about the survey work and the broader implications of the dam construction. Community members have raised objections to the pre-feasibility study preparations, citing potential environmental and social impacts on local populations.

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has long been considered a strategic initiative to boost Arunachal Pradesh's hydropower generation capacity and contribute to India's renewable energy goals. The survey phase will involve detailed assessments of geological, hydrological, and environmental factors necessary for project planning and implementation.