Itanagar, Oct 9 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has convened a meeting with representatives of the ABK Youth Wing (ABKYW) and the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU Apex) on October 13 to discuss concerns over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
According to an official notice issued by the Chief Minister’s Office on Friday, the meeting will be held at the Chief Minister’s Niti Vihar office here.
The meeting comes in the wake of a joint press conference held by the two organisations at the Pasighat Press Club on October 3, where they raised concerns regarding the proposed mega project and highlighted issues that, according to them, need to be addressed before it moves forward.
The press conference brought the concerns of sections of the Adi community into focus amid the continuing debate over the project, which has strategic, economic and developmental significance for Arunachal Pradesh.
The proposed multipurpose project on the Siang river is expected to play a major role in hydropower generation and water management, besides contributing to India’s strategic preparedness in the region.
However, the project has faced opposition from villagers and sections of local communities, who have expressed apprehensions over its possible impact on their land, livelihoods, settlements and the environment.
The concerns reflect the need to address the interests of the people who could be affected by the project alongside the larger development and national security considerations.
The state government has maintained that dialogue with local communities is important in taking forward discussions on the project.
The October 13 meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the two organisations to present their concerns directly to the chief minister and seek clarification on issues relating to the proposed project, officials said.
The notice has asked the presidents of ABKYW and AdiSU Apex to attend the meeting with their respective delegations. The organisations have also been requested to submit the names of their representatives in advance to facilitate seating arrangements. PTI UPL UPL RG
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