Arunachal Pradesh: 98 Households From Riew Endorse 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project Amid Ongoing Local Opposition

Guwahati: In a significant move to hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh, 98 households from Riew village in Siang district have agreed to the pre-feasibility report (PFR) of the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) despite a section of people in the affected submerged villagers protesting over the proposed mega dam.

MoU Signed

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein, cabinet minister Ojing Tasing, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, Siang Deputy Commissioner P.N. Thungon, and local villagers.

Riew is the second-largest village in the Siang belt, and the consenting households represent nearly 62% of its population. Officials described the development as a major shift in public sentiment towards the mega-dam project, which had previously faced strong opposition.

Earlier this month, over 300 households from Riga, the largest village in the area and a former hub of resistance also gave their consent to the project’s PFR, signaling growing community support for the initiative.

Deputy CM Chowna Mein Welcomes The Move

Welcoming the move, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also holds the power portfolio, called it a significant milestone in the government’s transformative hydropower drive — a journey, he said, built on “dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.”

"Being a democratic country with a people-friendly government, we believe in taking the people's confidence and making them equal partners in development. Through awareness, technical education and trust-building, we've brought communities onboard," he said.

"Today, with advanced technology and sustainable planning, every project from roads to hydropower reflects our commitment to a truly inclusive and #ViksitBharat.

This MoU with Riew Village reaffirms that inclusive development is possible when the government and the people move forward together, not in opposition, but in understanding.

My heartfelt thank to the residents of Riew Village for extending their support and consent for the conduct of Pre-Feasibility Report for Upper Siang Multipurpose Project", Mein said.