Aalo, Jan 11: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday slammed anti-dam activists opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) for “spreading misinformation.”
He stressed that SUMP is a multipurpose project of national importance and not just about power generation. “Hydropower generation is a by-product of the project,” Khandu said, emphasizing flood mitigation as a key benefit.
Urging open discussions, Khandu assured that the project would not proceed if locals opposed it. Referring to China’s dam plans on the Brahmaputra in Tibet, he warned of severe consequences for Arunachal Pradesh and Assam if water were released. “I will not take the blame if the project is not allowed,” he said, adding the blame should fall on those who oppose it. (PTI)