The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet approved an empowered high-level committee to guide and coordinate the pre-feasibility report survey and related activities for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The Cabinet's decision is primarily aimed at ensuring that the project's feasibility survey is coordinated and effectively carried out. Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing will serve as the chairman, alongside committee members MLAs Alo Libang and Oni Panyang.

The Cabinet stated that the voices, welfare, and aspirations of likely project-affected families and local communities will remain central to the process. The government reiterated that development should respect local traditions and community interests.

However, only time will tell what exactly the role of the committee will be, given that there is currently no community representation. If the government is serious, it should include representatives chosen by the affected communities, rather than only government representatives and hydropower experts.