Itanagar, May 7: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday expressed gratitude to the people of Upper Siang district for extending their support to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the conduct of Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities.
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| Villagers and officials display signed MoU documents supporting the Pre-Feasibility Report activities for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project during a programme held at Tuting in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district. |
Describing the development as a “historic and visionary step,” Khandu said the decision reflects the collective wisdom, unity, and forward-looking approach of local communities toward development and nation-building. He noted that the cooperation shown by the villagers demonstrates their commitment to exploring opportunities that could bring long-term benefits to the region and the state.
“My heartfelt appreciation to all the villagers, community leaders, and stakeholders for their trust and cooperation. Their support is an inspiring example of how communities can come together in the larger interest of progress and prosperity,” the Chief Minister said.
The MoU was signed during a programme held at the Community Hall in Tuting, where residents of Ningging, Singging, Angging, and Rising villages formally gave their consent for the PFR survey activities associated with the proposed hydropower project.
According to officials, 127 families from the four villages participated in the agreement. This included 39 families from Ningging, 25 from Singging, 18 from Angging, and 45 from Rising village. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang and representatives of the villages in the presence of more than 300 attendees, including community leaders, government officials, and local residents.
Khandu expressed hope that the project would open new avenues for development, create opportunities for future generations, and contribute to the overall prosperity of the region. He emphasized that community participation and transparency remain essential for the successful implementation of any major development initiative.
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Speaking at the programme, MLA Alo Libang and Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang also appreciated the positive response from the public. They highlighted the importance of cooperation, transparency, and continuous dialogue during the Pre-Feasibility Report process.
Officials stated that the signing of the MoU marks an important milestone in advancing preliminary studies for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The initiative is expected to help assess the project's technical, environmental, and socio-economic viability while ensuring that local communities remain informed and engaged throughout the process.
The development has been widely viewed as a significant step toward balancing regional development aspirations with community participation and responsible planning.
