{"id":62230,"date":"2026-04-16T09:51:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T09:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/62230\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T09:51:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T09:51:15","slug":"arunachal-cm-pema-khandu-in-riga-after-33-years-seeks-to-bridge-trust-gap-over-siang-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/62230\/","title":{"rendered":"Arunachal CM Pema Khandu in Riga after 33 Years, Seeks to Bridge Trust Gap over Siang Project"},"content":{"rendered":"

First Published: 16th April, 2026 13:38 IST\n <\/p>\n

\n Pema Khandu, the first to visit Riga since Gegong Apang more than three decades ago, addressed a large and enthusiastic gathering <\/p>\n

Written By Northeast Live Digital\u00a0Desk<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"Arunachal\t\t\t<\/p>\n

After a gap of 33 years, a sitting Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh visited the remote Riga Sub-Division on Thursday, seeking to build confidence and garner public support for the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), which had earlier faced stiff protests from local communities.<\/p>\n

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the first to visit Riga since Gegong Apang more than three decades ago, addressed a large and enthusiastic gathering, calling the visit a reaffirmation of the government\u2019s commitment to reach even the most remote corners of the state.<\/p>\n

The visit is significant in light of strong opposition to the project in the past, when thousands of villagers, led by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), staged protests citing concerns over displacement, environmental impact, and threats to traditional livelihoods.<\/p>\n

Addressing these concerns, Khandu clarified that the ongoing Preliminary Feasibility and Allied Reports (PFAR) are only part of an initial assessment and do not imply final approval for the dam. He assured that transparent and inclusive consultations would be carried out before any decision is taken, urging people to participate in the process without fear.<\/p>\n

The Chief Minister highlighted that the proposed project, estimated at around Rs 1.5 lakh crore, is of immense strategic and economic importance. He said it would generate employment opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, support agriculture, and help regulate river flow to mitigate downstream flood risks.<\/p>\n

He also noted that nearly 70 per cent of stakeholders in the region have already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for the feasibility study, indicating growing participation in the process.<\/p>\n

Linking the long-term vision with immediate development, Khandu announced projects worth Rs 196.44 crore under the \u201cViksit Siang 2047\u201d initiative. These include improvement of township roads in Riga, construction of a Circuit House, a modern sports stadium, an integrated water supply project at Boleng, a fire station, and a Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Pangin.<\/p>\n

By combining outreach, reassurance, and development announcements, the Chief Minister\u2019s visit marks a renewed push to bridge trust deficits and bring local communities on board for one of the country\u2019s largest proposed hydropower projects, while reconnecting Riga with the state\u2019s developmental roadmap after more than three decades.<\/p>\n


\n\t\t\t\t Post Views: 22 \n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

COMMENTS<\/p>\n

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