Siang Dam protests: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu pens open letter to Adi Community, promises dialogue

New Delhi: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has sought to address growing opposition to the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, assuring local communities that their concerns will be heard before the government takes any decision. He said the state government would rely on open discussions, transparency and public consultation while considering the project.

In an open letter addressed to the people, Khandu referred to the protesters as “my beloved Adi brothers” and said there was no proposal to begin dam construction at this stage. He also acknowledged the concerns of families who fear losing their homes, land and traditional way of life if the project goes ahead.

“I want to assure you that your voices, your land, your homes and our beloved ‘Aane Siang’ remain at the heart of every consideration. Your concerns will be addressed through open dialogue, transparency and meaningful public consultation,” he said.

The chief minister said he had been following the growing uncertainty surrounding the project over the past few months. He added that people had every reason to seek clarity when different versions of the proposed project were being circulated.

Why Siang Project is important, according to Khandu

Khandu said the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project was declared a National Project by the Union Cabinet on February 7, 2008. It is currently among 16 projects in the country that have received this status.

Explaining the need for preparing a Pre-Feasibility Report, the chief minister referred to China’s ongoing dam construction on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Medog County, around 40 km from the Indian border. He said construction began on July 19, 2025, without any consultation or information being shared with India.

“Our valley faces real water risks, from sudden and exceptionally high flows arriving with little warning to water scarcity in the dry winter months, especially since around 65% of the Aane Siang comes from China,” Khandu said.

He argued that India needed to prepare for possible changes in water flow and explore ways to protect the Siang and Brahmaputra rivers.

“We must prepare and build resilience. The Siang UMP therefore could be one of the options which should be scientifically and technically explored to develop feasible options to maintain ecological flow in the Siang River and the Brahmaputra,” he said.

However, Khandu stressed that the preparation of a report should not be confused with a decision to build a dam. “I assure each and every one of you that no decision has been made regarding construction of the Siang UMP by either the Government of India or the Government of Arunachal Pradesh,” he said.

My beloved Adi brothers and sisters,

I deeply understand the concerns and apprehensions surrounding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. I want to assure you that your voices, your land, your homes and our beloved Aane Siang remain at the heart of every consideration.

Your concerns will be addressed through open dialogue, transparency and meaningful public consultation. We will move forward only with due consideration for the aspirations and interests of our people.

I sincerely urge you to read my detailed statement, which seeks to clarify the facts and address your concerns.

— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) November 2, 2026

Protests continue, Congress demands scrapping of project

The chief minister’s letter came as several organisations held demonstrations during a 36-hour bandh in Upper Siang district on Monday against the proposed project.

The project has faced opposition from sections of the indigenous Adi community, particularly those living in areas that could be affected. Residents fear that its construction could submerge ancestral villages, displace families and lead to the loss of farmland and forests. They have also raised concerns about its impact on their culture and traditional livelihoods.

The Congress has also opposed the project and called for it to be scrapped. In a statement, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee said development should not come at the cost of indigenous communities’ ancestral land, identity, culture and livelihood. It also demanded prior consent from people who could be affected by the project.