ITANAGAR, Sep 23: The State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on Wednesday approved the constitution of an Empowered High-Level Committee to guide and coordinate the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) survey and associated activities for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Siang and Upper Siang districts.
The Cabinet said the move was aimed at ensuring that the survey is carried out in a transparent, peaceful and people-centric manner.
The Cabinet noted that the project was declared a National Project by the Government of India in 2008, underlining its strategic significance for the nation and Arunachal Pradesh, with the potential to strengthen water and energy security, aid flood moderation in the Siang-Brahmaputra basin, generate employment, and support long-term socio-economic development of the Siang region.
The Empowered High-Level Committee will be headed by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing. Advisor to the Chief Minister and MLA from Tuting-Yingkiong, Alo Libang, and Geku-Mariyang MLA Oni Panyang will be its members.
The Cabinet also took note of concerns raised by some sections of the people in the two districts over what it described as misinformation and disinformation being spread by certain vested interests.
It emphasized that sustained and meaningful engagement with residents of Siang and Upper Siang would be essential for the peaceful conduct of the PFR survey. The Cabinet reiterated that the voices, welfare and aspirations of likely Project Affected Families (PAFs) and local communities will always remain central to the process.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing development that respects local traditions and community interests, and expressed confidence that dialogue would facilitate the peaceful progress of the survey in the larger interest of the Siang region and the nation.