BOLENG, 23 May: In a major development, the villagers of Pangkang (Kumku) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to begin surveys for preparing the preliminary feasibility report (PFR) for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), here in Siang district on Friday.
Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing, HydropowerJoint Secretary Hage Lailang, Hydropower Chief Engineer Atek Miyu, and state BJP general secretary Nalong Mize witnessed the signing of the MoU, along with leaders of Pangkang (Kumku), Taba Tamut and Bakin Tali.
Siang Deputy Commissioner PN Thungon, representing the state government, signed the MoU with Tamut and Tali.
The proposed SUMP, if feasible and executed, promises transformative benefits for the local community, besides strategic defence and environmental resilience.
According to the MoU, a development package of Rs 5 crores over three years will be rolled out, overseen by a newly constituted village development committee.
This committee, composed of likely project-affected families, will spearhead village infrastructure improvements, health services, and livelihood programmes, ensuring that the fruits of the special development initiatives are rooted in community and lead to equitable growth.
The MoU also guarantees future consultations with local stakeholders as the project progresses, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive planning and development, keeping in view local priorities.
As envisaged by the government, the SUMP is not just another hydroelectric project.
Besides, providing economic empowerment to the local community and being a major source of clean and sustainable energy, it will be designed as a strategic counterbalance to China’s rapid construction of multiple hydropower dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo (the upstream section of the Siang River in Tibet).
As India’s northern neighbour accelerates its water infrastructure ambitions, the SUMP is envisioned as a timely and critical initiative to mitigate potential downstream risks from sudden upstream discharges, and will ensure year-round river flow vital for agriculture, drinking water, and ecological balance in Northeast India.
“The villagers of Pangkang (Kumku) have shown incredible wisdom and maturity by deciding to cooperate with the government in conduct of PRF for SUMP,” said the DC. “This is not only about power or water. It is about harnessing the potential of the Siang River for collective prosperity of the local area, the state, and the nation.” (DIPR)
