Itanagar, February 2: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has lauded the residents of Karko village in Upper Siang district for extending their support to the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The appreciation comes after 76 families of the village signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government, marking an important step in the project's preparatory phase.
In a statement shared on social media, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the villagers for their cooperation and trust. He said their decision reflects awareness, responsibility, and a forward-looking vision for the future of Arunachal Pradesh as well as the nation.
Khandu emphasized that the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is not merely an infrastructure initiative but a project of strategic significance. According to him, the proposed project is closely linked to ensuring long-term energy security, effective flood moderation, regional economic development, and safeguarding national interests.
The Chief Minister further highlighted that the government is pursuing the project through continuous dialogue, informed participation, and mutual respect for local communities. He reiterated that the concerns and aspirations of the people living in the project area remain a priority and assured that environmental and social impacts would be thoroughly examined at every stage of planning and implementation.
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Thanking the people of Karko village for their maturity and constructive approach, Khandu said their support demonstrates how development initiatives can move forward while respecting community voices and local traditions. He noted that the collaborative effort between the government and local residents sets a positive example of balancing development goals with the protection of land, culture, and livelihoods.
The signing of the MoU is being viewed as a significant development in advancing the Pre-Feasibility Report for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, one of the most ambitious infrastructure proposals in Arunachal Pradesh.
