Upper Siang District, March 20:  Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, during his two-day visit to the Adi Pasi region in Upper Siang district, addressed the people about the importance of the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project.

Chowna Mein highlighted the growing concern regarding China’s massive $137 billion hydroelectric dam project, which is set to produce 60,000 MW of electricity over the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

In response, the Indian government has proposed the Upper Siang Hydropower Project, a dam on the Siang River, which has the potential to generate up to 11,000 MW of electricity. The project is a crucial initiative aimed at mitigating the impacts of downstream flooding in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh and other environmental issues.  The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that this project is not only essential for addressing the flooding risks but will also contribute to India’s energy security.

Addressing recent discussions by research scholars, which calls for dialogue with the Chinese Government over water-sharing issues, the Deputy Chief Minister has shared his concern regarding it's impact on mitigating the risks. He suggested that such talks may have theoretical plausibility, but is less likely to yield a positive outcome, based on past experiences.

In contrast to having a dialouge with the Chinese Govt, Mein strongly urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh to engage in meaningful dialogues with their own government instead to find a collective solution without dismissing their concerns.

Mein stated that the Govt is keen on having an open discussion with all stakeholders, including the anti-dam protestors, with the aim of addressing their concerns over the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project.

Mein stressed that the government has already initiated the formation of a dedicated committee to look into all queries, and discussions will continue to ensure that the people’s concerns are taken into consideration. Additionally, he assured the public that adequate compensation would be provided and offered adequate compensation to affected communities.

Concluding his interactive session with the people of Upper Siang, Mein once again called upon the people to focus on the long-term benefits that the Dam will foster in the region and the State as a whole.