Itanagar, Sep 23 The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday approved the constitution of an empowered high-level committee to guide and coordinate the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey and related activities for the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Siang and Upper Siang districts.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and is aimed at ensuring that the survey is conducted in a transparent, peaceful and people-centric manner, a CMO statement said.
The Cabinet noted that the SUMP was declared a National Project by the Centre in 2008, highlighting its strategic importance to Arunachal Pradesh and the country.
It said the project has the potential to strengthen water and energy security, help moderate floods in the Siang-Brahmaputra basin, create employment and contribute to the long-term socio-economic development of the Siang region.
The empowered committee will be headed by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing.
Advisor to the CM and Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang and Geku-Mariyang MLA Oni Panyang will be its members.
The Cabinet also took note of concerns expressed by sections of people in Siang and Upper Siang over what it described as misinformation and disinformation being spread by certain vested interests.
It, however, emphasised that peaceful conduct of the PFR survey would depend on meaningful and continuous engagement with residents of the two districts.
The government said the voices, welfare and aspirations of PAFs and local communities would remain central to the process and reaffirmed its commitment to development while respecting local traditions and community interests.
The Cabinet hoped that dialogue and engagement with people would help the survey process move forward peacefully in the larger interest of the Siang region and the country.
The proposed SUMP is a major hydropower and water-management project planned in the Siang region.
The project envisages serving multiple purposes, including power generation, flood moderation and water management, while also contributing to the region’s infrastructure and economic development.
However, the project has faced opposition from sections of villagers and community groups in the Siang region, who raised concerns over possible displacement, the impact on land, forests and the river ecosystem, and the implications for traditional community rights and livelihoods.
The project has also seen efforts by the state government and project authorities to engage local communities.
Several village-level consultations and initiatives have been undertaken, while agreements have been reported with some villages in connection with the PFR survey.
At the same time, sections of villagers and groups opposed to mega dams have continued to voice reservations, maintaining that the interests of affected communities and the ecological and cultural significance of the Siang river should be adequately addressed before the project moves ahead.
(PTI News)
