ITANAGAR, 15 Oct: The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday clarified the party's position on the significance of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and other hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference here, Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak and IPR Minister Nyato Dokum presented the party's views, addressed concerns raised by opposition leaders, and highlighted the strategic importance of the SUMP and hydropower development in the state.

The press conference was convened in response to allegations and statements made by senior Congress leaders and the Congress party concerning the SUMP and other hydropower projects in Arunachal.

Tagak explained the historical background of the SUMP, stating that the project was initiated in 1983 under the Brahmaputra Board and was accorded the status of a national project in 2008 during the Congress-led UPA regime. He highlighted that the project's strategic significance, particularly in the context of national security and India's long-term interests, received renewed attention in 2019, following reports and developments concerning a proposed 60,000 MW hydropower project in Tibet through the Medong dam, which was approved in 2024.

Tagak emphasised that the SUMP should not be viewed merely as a hydropower project but also in the broader context of national security, strategic preparedness, water resource management, and the long-term development of Arunachal and the Northeast.

He appealed to the Congress to approach the issue with maturity and responsibility, and urged Congress leaders to examine the historical background of the project and their own party's role in its development before making public statements.

He cautioned that public opinion should not be influenced by misinformation or political provocation. He also expressed concern that "certain external forces might not favour India's progress in strategic infrastructure development," and that opposition to major projects should therefore be examined objectively and responsibly.

He further clarified that the SUMP is not a project that can be taken up for construction overnight. "Major infrastructure projects must undergo several stages of examination, assessment, and approval before construction can begin. The pre-feasibility report (PFR) is an initial stage that examines the feasibility of a proposed project, including the suitability of potential locations. Therefore, preliminary surveys and feasibility studies should not be confused with an immediate decision to begin construction," he said.

Dokum on his part reiterated that hydropower projects have the potential to contribute significantly to the economic growth of Arunachal, strengthen the state's infrastructure, generate employment opportunities, promote local development, and support India's energy security.

The party maintained that discussions concerning the SUMP and other hydropower projects must be conducted objectively, keeping in view the long-term interests of Arunachal and the nation. It also emphasised the importance of balancing development with appropriate environmental safeguards, technical assessments, and public consultation.