Four Upper Siang villages in Arunachal back SUMP survey activities

Residents of four villages in Arunachal Pradeshs Upper Siang district on Thursday signed memorandums of understanding MoUs supporting the pre-feasibility report PFR survey activities of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project SUMP during a programme held at Tuting. The deputy commissioner clarified issues related to the survey works and said the large public participation reflected a changing mindset towards development and progress.

Residents of four villages in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district on Thursday signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) supporting the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey activities of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) during a programme held at Tuting. Altogether 127 families from Ningging, Singging, Angging and Rising villages extended their consent for the PFR activities in the presence of more than 300 people attending the programme. The MoUs were signed between Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang, representing the state government, and village representatives Rikdu Yalik of Ningging, Momok Lipir of Singging, Olom Sitek of Angging and Oni Tondrang of Rising village. Among those present were MLA of Tuting-Yingkiong constituency and Advisor to the Chief Minister Alo Libang, hydro power development chief engineer K Perme, state nodal officer (SUMP) Atek Miyu, among others. Libang appreciated the public response and urged people to continue supporting developmental initiatives in the region. The deputy commissioner clarified issues related to the survey works and said the large public participation reflected a changing mindset towards development and progress. ''This shows that our people are gradually embracing a progressive mindset, which will go a long way in transforming the lives of the people,'' he said. Jerang also assured that transparency and accountability were being maintained throughout the process and appealed to the public to remain cooperative and positive. He said the district administration travelled to Tuting to facilitate the signing process despite adverse weather conditions and road blockades for the convenience of villagers. The proposed SUMP is considered strategically and economically important for the region, with potential benefits including hydropower generation, flood moderation, water resource management and infrastructure development. The PFR survey is a crucial preliminary step aimed at assessing the technical, environmental and socio-economic feasibility of the mega project before further stages of planning and execution.