ITANAGAR, 23 Sep: The State Cabinet on Wednesday approved the constitution of an Empowered High-Level Committee to guide and coordinate the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey and associated activities for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Siang and Upper Siang districts.

The committee is headed by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Ojing Tasing as chairman, with MLAs Alo Libang and Oni Panyang as members.

The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, taking note of concerns raised by some sections of people in these districts regarding 'misinformation' and 'disinformation' being spread by certain vested interests, observed that  PFR's peaceful conduct depends on sustained, meaningful engagement with residents of Siang and Upper Siang districts.

"The voices, welfare and aspirations of likely Project Affected Families (PAFs) and local communities have always been, and will always remain, central to the process," it noted.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to development that respects local traditions and community interests, expressing confidence that dialogue will help the Survey proceed peacefully, in the larger interest of the Siang region and the nation.

The project has been declared a National Project by the Centre in 2008, underlining its strategic significance for the nation and Arunachal Pradesh, with the potential to strengthen water and energy security, aid flood moderation in the Siang-Brahmaputra basin, generate employment, and support long-term socio-economic development of the Siang region. (CM's PR Cell)