ITANAGAR, 29 Sep: A SUMP awareness programme reached six villages across Upper Siang district - Palsi, Panggo, Ningging, Old Tuting, Rishing, and Gome - recently, deepening public understanding of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) through interactive sessions, distribution of informational materials, and direct engagement with local stakeholders.

The outreach programme was organised in collaboration with the Bogun Bokang Welfare Society (BBWS) to build trust and transparent communication as the project's planning process continues.

The programme opened at Palsi and Panggo, continued at Ningging, and concluded with sessions across Old Tuting, Rishing, and Gome - the widest single-day reach of the drive. Each session introduced residents to the SUMP's scope, objectives, and current planning stage, followed by distribution of informational materials and an open Q&A that let residents raise queries and share their views.

The sessions were conducted under the guidance of key resource persons from the BBWS - its president Kakit Duggong, retired BEO Hinggong Bomong, secretary-general Bango Duggong, and HQ secretary Oni Ninggo - whose institutional experience lent credibility to the discussions. They were joined by head gaon buras and gaon buras, gram panchayat chairpersons, gram panchayat members, Village Development Committee members, and residents across all six villages, while the BBWS outreach team coordinated logistics and facilitated the Q&A sessions throughout.

By addressing community queries, encouraging informed participation, and promoting transparent communication, the BBWS and the programme organisers sought to bridge knowledge gaps, empower communities with practical resources, and further strengthen trust and awareness regarding the proposed SUMP.