Itanagar, Jun 6: In a significant development for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), 110 households from Geku, Upper Siang district have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expressing their support for the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) of the project.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who witnessed the MoU signing ceremony here along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and other leaders, described it as a milestone in the State’s development journey and thanked the residents of Geku for their support.
Congratulating the families that signed the MoU, Khandu said the people of Geku had demonstrated remarkable courage and vision by supporting a project of national importance.
He emphasized that the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is not only about power generation but also about safeguarding the Siang river basin and communities living along its banks from potential threats arising from unregulated or sudden water discharges upstream.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Adviser to the Minister-in-Charge of Hydropower Ninong Ering, Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang, community leaders, elders and other stakeholders in facilitating the process.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Hydropower Chowna Mein said the support extended by the people of Geku marked a significant step towards the State’s pursuit of sustainable development and progress.
He noted that the decision of 110 households to sign the MoU reflected their trust in the project and their aspiration for a better future.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Mein said development initiatives would be implemented in an inclusive and sustainable manner while respecting the rights, interests, cultural heritage and traditional institutions of local communities.
Describing the development as more than just support for a project, the Deputy Chief Minister said it reflected public confidence, the strength of community participation and a shared commitment towards building a prosperous and self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh.
The signing of the MoU is expected to provide further momentum to the ongoing pre-feasibility assessment of the strategically significant Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.