SUMP a strategic necessity, not just a project: Kiren Rijiju

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday strongly defended the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh, calling it a ‘strategic necessity’ for India’s national security and a ‘transformative opportunity’ for the state’s development.

Addressing a function, to mark the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, Rijiju made a case for the project, linking it to geopolitical imperatives as well as the economic upliftment of the region. “For years, we struggled to bring investment into hydropower projects here. We had to plead, but no one came forward. But Prime Minister Modi changed that. He said India will invest and ensure Arunachal’s potential is realized,” the Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs minister said. Rijiju warned of China’s growing hydropower activity upstream of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river, including two large-scale dam projects, one near the Great Bend and another at Medog, where surveys have already been completed.

“China has the engineering capacity to divert rivers, even build 1,000-km-long tunnels to drain water. That’s the level of risk we face,” he cautioned.

Describing SUMP as a strategic counter measure, Rijiju emphasised that under international law, once India begins its own project, China cannot stop or divert the flow of the river.

“This project is a matter of national interest. It is crucial not just for power generation, but also for flood control across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and even Bangladesh,” he said.

Rijiju acknowledged concerns raised by the indigenous Adi community and assured that their sentiments, cultural heritage, and traditional farming practices would be respected.

“Projects must go forward, but not at the cost of people's identity. Their culture, land, and livelihoods will be protected,” he said.

He also appealed to the local population to keep an open mind about the project.

“Some opposition may stem from misinformation or vested interests. These are our own people, we must engage with them and ensure they understand the long-term benefits,” he said.

“Jobs for youth, infrastructure, and economic growth, these will all come through hydropower. Arunachal Pradesh has no other major natural resource to fuel its development,” the minister added. The SUMP, to be executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), has been at the centre of a heated debate.

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