Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, 21 Sep: Amid stiff resistance from local residents against carrying out the pre-feasibility report (PFR) activities for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), the state government on Monday made a final push for the SUMP by convening a consultative meeting, roping in local officers from the project affected districts (Siang and Upper Siang) to discuss developmental activities for the SUMP area.

The meeting was convened by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.

It is learnt that hundreds of government officers of all rank and file from the two districts attended the meeting.

National Dam Safety Authority Chairman R Kashyap, former Geological Survey of India DDG JM Gautam, and former member (river management), Central Water Commission PM Scott presented technical presentations on the pros and cons of the dam and its national and strategic importance. The experts also explained the technical details and answered the concerns raised by the participants, particularly by the local officers.

Chairing the meeting, Khandu directed the chief secretary to initiate action against government employees found propagating or promoting views against the proposed SUMP, asserting that government servants are bound to follow official directions on what he described as a project of "national importance."

"I appeal to everyone to follow the government's order and support this national project," Khandu said, amid continuing opposition to PFR activities in parts of Siang and Upper Siang districts.

The chief minister, however, stressed the need to take local communities into confidence, acknowledging that, although the project is national in character, the land ultimately belongs to the people.

Khandu claimed that around 75-80% of people in the dam-affected areas have signed MoUs supporting the preliminary process, while acknowledging that some residents of Geku have not signed. Earlier, in June, 110 households from Geku had signed an MoU supporting the PFR.

The claim of broad support has been disputed by Adi Bane Kebang-United (ABK-U) president Thomas Borang, who recently maintained that a majority of villagers in Upper Siang and Siang are opposed to the mega project and sought a halt to drilling and other PFR-related activities.

Khandu said the government remains open to dialogue, and urged people harbouring doubts about the project to approach the authorities for clarification. He had earlier said there would be no forcible implementation, and that discussions with the opponents remained open.

The government also held consultations with officers and officials belonging to Siang and Upper Siang, focusing on the project's technical aspects and local concerns. Khandu said government employees, given their influence and close links with tribal communities, could play an important role in explaining the project to the people.

The CM said he would soon visit Siang and Upper Siang and interact with employees and residents, and Mein, who holds the power portfolio, would also visit the project area.

"The government is always there whenever the people need us," Khandu said.

The proposed project remains contentious, with protests reported against PFR activities and deployment of security personnel at the proposed sites.