ITANAGAR, 6 Jun: A total of 110 households in Upper Siang district signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Saturday in support of the pre-feasibility report (PFR) for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), officials said.
The development marked a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to advance the strategic hydropower and water management initiative in the state, they said.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu welcomed the signing of the MoU, describing it as a strong endorsement from the local community for a project of national importance.
“Today, 110 households from Geku came forward and signed the MoU in support of the pre-feasibility report (PFR) for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
“I congratulate and thank every family that signed the MoU.
The people of Geku have shown tremendous courage and vision. Every citizen who supports a project of national importance is a partner in nation-building,” he said in a post on X.
The CM said the SUMP is not just about power generation but about protecting the Siang and the communities living along its banks from “any potential threat arising from unregulated or sudden water discharges” upstream across the international border.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said the state government will continue to extend every possible support for the socioeconomic advancement of the area, while safeguarding its rich cultural heritage, traditional institutions, and age-old customs.
The proposed project, planned on the Siang River, features hydropower generation, water resource management, flood moderation and strengthening India’s strategic water security in the eastern sector, the officials said. (PTI)
