ITANAGAR, Sep 29: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday chaired the first meeting of the Empowered High-Level Committee for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) at Yingkiong in Upper Siang district, reiterating that the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) survey is only an initial assessment and does not amount to final approval for construction of the project.
The committee, constituted by the State Cabinet and headed by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ojing Tasing, has been entrusted with coordinating and overseeing the PFR survey in Siang and Upper Siang districts.
The Chief Minister said the PFR is the first step towards establishing facts about the proposed project. It will assess its basic feasibility and likely implications and provide a basis for further investigation and informed decision-making.
He clarified that the PFR is neither a final approval nor does it, by itself, mean that the project will be built.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that this process is thorough, transparent and grounded in the realities of our people and our land,” Khandu said.
The Chief Minister said the project is of great importance but no project can move forward without the confidence and trust of the people. He said the government would remain engaged with the people throughout the process, address their concerns and work towards building trust through action.
“We will be there with you, every step of the way. Addressing your concerns, and building trust through action. And for the trust you place in us, we will never back down,” Khandu wrote in a social media post.
Earlier, Khandu interacted with officers and officials of Siang district at Boleng, the headquarters of Siang district. He said time was an important factor in decisions concerning the future of the region and emphasised the need for dialogue and public awareness.
Observing that government employees have considerable social influence in a tribal society, he urged them to use their influence to create awareness, encourage responsibility and serve the larger public interest.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who was also present during the interaction, said every aspect of the proposed SUMP must be properly studied before any further decision is taken.
Mein said the studies should cover the project's social and environmental implications, rehabilitation and resettlement, land and livelihood concerns, compensation and the long-term interests of the people.
He assured that there should be no apprehension that decisions would be taken without listening to the affected communities. The government, he said, would engage with the people, seek their views and ensure that their concerns are properly addressed.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said experts in hydropower, environment, social impact assessment and seismic studies would be involved so that people receive clear and credible answers to their concerns and questions.
The government reiterated that the approach towards the proposed project would be based on dialogue, informed decision-making and keeping the interests of the people at the centre.