Arunachal’s Upper Siang project still at ‘pre-feasibility’ stage

FOCUS ON STUDY AND STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE

- MPOST BUREAU

At a time when the debate over hydropower in Arunachal Pradesh is intensifying, the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) remains far from the stage of physical construction.

Currently, it stands at the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) phase - a stage that experts describe as one of study, dialogue, and vision, rather than implementation.

"The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is not a reactionary move, it's a responsible one," explains Teerath Singh Mehra, former Commissioner of the Brahmaputra and Barak Wing under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

"With around 9 billion cubic metres of live storage capacity, the project could provide more than half of the flood moderation required in the upper Brahmaputra basin. That itself highlights its crucial role in ensuring flood control, water security, and long-term resilience," Singh added.

At the PFR stage, the project is purely an assessment exercise. It involves analyzing the river's hydrology, flow patterns, and flood behavior using secondary data—such as topographic maps, satellite imagery, and historical hydrological records—to determine whether the site is suitable for further detailed study.

According to an NHPC official, the PFR's purpose is "to identify potential benefits, challenges, and alternatives so that the next stage—the Detailed Project Report (DPR)—can proceed with precision and full stakeholder awareness."