Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stressed the importance of water storage and responsible water management to strengthen resilience in the Siang Valley, highlighting the region’s exposure to both sudden extreme flows and seasonal water scarcity. Addressing an interaction with community-based organisation (CBO) members, government officers and officials from across the Siang Valley at Yingkiong, Khandu said the discussions focused on the water-related risks confronting the region and the need for better preparedness. He said the Siang Valley faces the possibility of sudden and exceptionally high upstream water flows reaching downstream areas with limited warning, while also experiencing water scarcity during the dry winter months. The contrasting risks underline the need for a balanced approach to water management that can address both excess water during extreme events and shortages during dry periods. Referring to recent disasters in Sikkim and other parts of the Himalayan region, Khandu noted that extreme water events can rapidly develop into major downstream disasters. He also emphasised that water security involves ensuring adequate availability when water becomes scarce, making preparedness and long-term planning important components of resilience. The Chief Minister said water storage can play a significant role in strengthening safety and managing water availability, while responsible management can help communities prepare for changing conditions and reduce vulnerability. He stressed the importance of building resilience through advance preparation, describing storage as a safety measure and preparedness as a foundation for resilience. The interaction at Yingkiong formed part of Khandu’s two-day tour of Siang and Upper Siang districts. The visit was aimed at engaging with community-based organisations and district officials on key developmental and environmental issues affecting the region. Discussions on water risks were therefore linked to broader concerns involving community preparedness, environmental management and sustainable development across the two districts. The focus on water management comes against the backdrop of growing attention to the vulnerability of Himalayan regions to extreme weather and water-related events. For communities in the Siang Valley, preparedness involves understanding local risks, improving coordination and ensuring that water resources can be managed during both periods of excess and scarcity. Khandu’s remarks also highlighted the importance of involving local communities and administrative officials in planning and responding to water-related challenges. The interaction provided an opportunity to discuss regional concerns directly with representatives working at the community and district levels. As the state continues to address developmental and environmental priorities, water security remains an important part of planning for the Siang Valley. Strengthening storage capacity, promoting responsible water use and improving preparedness could help communities respond more effectively to changing water conditions. The Chief Minister’s emphasis on these measures reflects the need for long-term resilience alongside development in the region.
