Dibrugarh, May 29: As discussions over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) gather momentum in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang region, a two-day public awareness and community outreach programme was conducted across the villages of Pangkang, bringing together households and community stakeholders for detailed interactions on the project.

The awareness drive was held on May 25 at Pangkang (Jorkong) and on May 26 at Pangkang (Kumku), where many villagers expressed interest in discussions focused on infrastructure development, community welfare, regional growth and the proposed project.

This comes days after Pangkang (Kumku) villagers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arunachal Pradesh Government allowing the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) process for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, one of the largest multipurpose and hydropower projects planned in the country.

The project is envisioned by the state and central governments as a strategic and developmental initiative focusing on hydropower generation, flood moderation, water security and infrastructure development.

The ground-level outreach began at Pangkang (Jorkong) on May 25, with participants keenly engaging in discussions on the potential developmental benefits of the project.

Tamyo Mingki, President of the Village Development and SUMP Development Committee, attended as the Chief Guest. The discussions also included Tamo Jerang, Vice President, SUMP, and Omak Tali, Secretary of the Village Development Committee (VDC), who encouraged active participation and interaction among villagers.

The drive continued at Pangkang (Kumku) on May 26, where the interaction was led by Bakin Tali, Chairman of the SUMP Development Committee (SUMPDC), and Omin Tamut, Vice Chairman of SUMPDC.

The meeting facilitated dialogue between project stakeholders and local residents, with many villagers raising queries and seeking clarification about various aspects of the project.

At both venues, villagers were invited to ask questions and discuss local concerns and interests related to the project through organised interactive sessions.

Community members came forward in significant numbers to learn more about the proposed development and its implications. Information booklets on SUMP were also distributed to ensure transparency and provide a deeper understanding of the project.

The proposed SUMP is envisaged as a major multipurpose project on the Siang River, with expected benefits including power generation, flood moderation and regional development.

The project is also viewed in the context of strategic considerations linked to China’s large hydropower projects being developed on the upstream Yarlung Tsangpo, which originates in Tibet and enters India as the Siang.

However, the project has also remained at the centre of debate among civil society groups and sections of the local community over concerns regarding possible environmental impacts, indigenous land rights and displacement.

Supporters, on the other hand, have highlighted its potential benefits in terms of power generation, infrastructure development and national security.

The two-day awareness campaign at Pangkang sought to strengthen local understanding of the project while providing residents an opportunity to discuss its possible impact on infrastructure, livelihoods and future development through direct interaction and dialogue, thereby encouraging informed community participation.

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