USMSP seen as pathway to safeguard Siang’s land, culture and future
A Contributor
REGIONAL, September 02, 2025: In ongoing discussions around the Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project (USMSP), experts have highlighted that the project’s true significance lies not in short-term monetary flows but in securing the very foundations of life in the Siang belt and the safety of future generations.
The project is estimated to bring upward of INR 8000 crores annually into the state. With the Pre-Feasibility report expected to be conducted soon, the government is working to ensure the welfare of Adi community around the project area.
The government is committed to ensuring that local perspectives and concerns are integral to the project, with a strong focus on participatory development from fair land and property compensation to comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement plans. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also acknowledged the recent MoU signings by several villages as a testament to this inclusive approach.
USMSP will be designed to create a layer of protection for the community. The large-scale storage system is expected to neutralize risks from China’s mega dam activity upstream, which India has already flagged as a major concern in its diplomatic dialogues.
At the same time, the project is structured to create long-term community institutions: village-level development funds, skill programs for youth, and improved connectivity that will allow future generations to stay rooted in their ancestral homes while accessing better education and healthcare.
“Siang River is the lifeline of our people. That is why every step on USMSP is being taken with the community at the centre. We recognise that some families will contribute their land, and we are committed to ensuring that their contributions are honoured through fair compensation and resettlement safeguards and by prioritising opportunities for their children in education, skills, and livelihoods. This is about giving our people protection from future water risks, while also leaving behind a foundation of prosperity and security for the next generations of the Adi community,” said an official of Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
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