YINGKIONG, Mar 15: In a vital step towards advancing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a significant number of families from Pugging, Ramsing and Janbo villages gathered at the DC Bungalow here, and formally extended their consent for Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh (GoAP).
From Pugging village, 57 families out of 70 families signed the MoU, reflecting strong community support for the proposed initiative. In a show of growing regional solidarity, residents from both Ramsing and Janbo villages also stepped forward to officially join the initiative, formally signing the MoU and demonstrating their commitment to the project at the PFR stage.
On behalf of the GoAP, Deputy Commissioner Upper Siang Talo Jerang signed the MoUs, while Jobang Nopi, Kabit Apang, and Yangkeng Takuk signed on behalf of the residents of Pugging, Ramsing, and Janbo villages respectively.
Ninnong Ering, MLA cum Advisor to Minister Hydropower, who attended the MoU signing programme, described the development as historic and stated: “Upper Siang again inks a historic moment again today with 57 families from Pugging village, alongside dedicated residents from Ramsing and Janbo villages, have signed the MoU for the PFR towards the construction of the dam. There are challenges and there will be challenges, but we must move forward for development.”
Further, Ering lauded DC Jerang and the SUMP Development Committee, Upper Siang for their relentless efforts in encouraging people to adopt a pro-development mindset. He emphasized the need for the community to rise above emotions and think in terms of long-term progress and a better future for the coming generations.
He also appreciated the villagers, particularly from Janbo, for traveling so far in harsh weather for signing the MoU, and remarked on the broader geopolitical context regarding China, stating that Arunachal is a young state with young people, making their proactive steps a truly historic moment.
Hage Lailang, Jt Secretary Hydro Power (GoAP), conveyed the government's acknowledgment of their continuous support over the past one and a half years, which has been instrumental in moving towards “a great future”. Urging the community to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with the nation’s progress, he emphasized the need to adapt to science and technology to secure a prosperous future for upcoming generations.
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, considered a project of national importance, is envisioned to enhance energy security, strengthen infrastructure development, and generate long-term socio-economic opportunities for the region.
The signing of MoUs for the PFR stage marks a critical milestone, enabling the government to initiate detailed assessments and planning processes.
Senior community leaders also addressed the gathering and shared their views. Kabit Apang (ADC rtd) and member-SUMPDC, who was representing Ramsing village, reassured the gathering that the government and the people are working unitedly to achieve their goal, emphasizing that the current focus is strictly on the PFR to gather scientific data and determine the dam’s viability.
The active participation of local communities in the PFR process underscores a collaborative approach to development, where stakeholder engagement remains central to project execution. This ‘development’ builds upon earlier support extended by other villages, where 297 out of 302 families in Komkar and 105 out of 120 families in Karko had previously signed MoUs. At Simong village, 194 out of 240 families previously signed the MoU, reflecting strong community support. Meanwhile, Halleng village recorded unanimous participation, with all 9 out of 9 families signing the MoU marking “total” consent for the project at the PFR stage. (DIPRO)