Arunachal: Pema Khandu warns of 'water bomb' threat, stresses need for Siang Multipurpose Project

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday warned that water released from Chinese dams could submerge Pasighat town under 12 meters of water and flood Guwahati up to 5 metres, highlighting the urgent need for the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Multipurpose Project.

 

"Siang Multipurpose Project is crucial for national security, to save Siang from drying up, and to prevent a water bomb as China is constructing a 60,000-megawatt project on Tibet's Tsangpo river," Khandu said during a public meeting at Boleng general ground.

 

The massive infrastructure project aims to provide flood moderation, drinking water, irrigation, and power generation. Additional development plans include a model village, hospitals, colleges, and a two-lane road.

 

Amid growing protests from villagers in Komkar, Riew, and Parong areas, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein addressed concerns about the deployment of central armed police forces (CAPF) in the region. "We are not anti-people, nor are we anti-Arunachal," Mein stated, explaining that security forces were stationed solely to protect survey equipment and personnel.

 

Mein clarified that the project's capacity would be 11,000 megawatts, not 12,500 as previously reported. He emphasised the dam's strategic importance in protecting downstream areas from potential flooding caused by water release from Chinese dams.

 

Local residents continue to protest against the project, citing environmental and social concerns. However, state leadership maintains that the project is essential for regional development and national security, urging communities to engage in dialogue about its implementation.