Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu met with district officials from Siang and Upper Siang to hash out the details of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The session forced a deep dive into the technical requirements of the build. It also opened the floor for local feedback.
Khandu leaned on his team for clarity. He believes tribal officers hold the key to progress because they live and breathe local sentiment. The Chief Minister explained, "Tribal officers and officials maintain a close connection with their respective communities and have a better understanding of the aspirations, concerns and sentiments of the people."
The administration wants to address community fears before moving dirt. They examined technical specs alongside regional worries. Khandu maintains that project success depends on constant communication with the people living in the project zones. Every voice counts. Officials walked through potential hurdles to ensure the development initiative considers the perspective of local stakeholders.
Updated at 21st September 2026 at 10:18pm
Khandu has taken a hard line against opposition within the ranks. He directed the Chief Secretary to discipline any government employees caught stirring up trouble or working against the 11,000 to 12,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The Chief Minister made it clear that state workers have a duty to promote the initiative, stating, "We have issued instructions to the Chief Secretary to take action against all those employees and officials who have been trying to cause disturbances and opposition against the project. Government employees are bound to follow what the government instructs."
The administration intends to lean on these officials to disseminate information about the project to their own friends, families, and villages. To build momentum, Khandu plans to hit the ground in Siang and Upper Siang personally. The Deputy Chief Minister, who handles hydropower, will also hold camps to address public doubts. Officials claim 75 to 80 percent of the population already supports the build, despite vocal resistance from the local Adi community over fears of seismic shifts, land loss, and environmental damage. The NHPC is slated to lead the construction.
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