Itanagar, June 6: In a significant development for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), 110 households from Geku in Arunachal Pradesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expressing their support for the project's Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Saturday.
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| Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein pose with representatives of Geku after 110 households signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) supporting the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project during a meeting in Itanagar on June 6, 2026. (Image: X/PemaKhanduBJP) |
Describing the move as a major milestone, Khandu lauded the residents of Geku for their willingness to support a project of strategic and national importance. He said the decision reflected the community's courage, foresight, and commitment to the development and security interests of the country.
“Every citizen who supports a project of national importance is a partner in nation-building,” the Chief Minister stated, congratulating and thanking the families who signed the agreement.
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, proposed on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh, has emerged as one of India's most significant hydroelectric and water management initiatives. While the project is expected to generate substantial hydroelectric power, state leaders have increasingly emphasized its strategic importance in addressing potential risks associated with upstream river activities across the international border.
Khandu noted that the project is not solely intended for electricity generation but also serves a broader purpose of safeguarding the Siang River and communities residing along its banks. He highlighted concerns over the possibility of unregulated or sudden water discharges from upstream regions, which could pose serious threats to downstream populations and infrastructure.
“The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is about protecting the Siang and the communities living along its banks from any potential threat arising from unregulated or sudden water releases by a country to our north,” he said.
The Chief Minister's remarks underscore the growing significance attached to water security and river management in the northeastern region, particularly in the context of developments along transboundary rivers originating outside India.
The signing of the MoU is being viewed as a crucial step in advancing preliminary studies and consultations associated with the project. Securing the support of local communities has been considered essential for the successful implementation of large-scale infrastructure and hydropower projects in the state.
Khandu also acknowledged the efforts of several leaders and stakeholders who played a role in achieving the latest breakthrough. He expressed gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Adviser to the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of the Department of Hydropower Development Ninong Ering, and Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang for their leadership and engagement with local communities.
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The Chief Minister further thanked village elders, community leaders, and other stakeholders whose participation and dialogue helped build consensus around the project. Their efforts, he said, were instrumental in reaching the milestone and fostering public confidence in the initiative.
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has long been viewed as a transformative infrastructure proposal for Arunachal Pradesh, with the potential to contribute significantly to power generation, flood moderation, water resource management, and regional development. Support from local communities is expected to play a vital role as authorities continue with feasibility assessments and planning processes.
With 110 households in Geku formally backing the Pre-Feasibility Report through the MoU, the project has taken an important step forward, signaling growing local participation in what the state government describes as a project of both developmental and national strategic significance.
