Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government and the villagers of Pangkang (Kumku) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to prepare a preliminary feasibility report (PFR) for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) at Boleng in Siang district.
The MoU between the Arunachal government and Pangkang village includes a special development package of Rs 5 crore to be implemented over three years. This will be managed by a newly formed Village Development Committee (VDC).
The committee will consist of likely project-affected families. It will oversee infrastructure upgrades, healthcare services and livelihood programs. This will ensure inclusive and equitable growth for the community.
The proposed project promises transformative socio-economic benefits for the local community. At the same time, it will serve as a strategic countermeasure to China’s aggressive hydropower infrastructure development on the Yarlung Tsangpo, the upstream section of the Siang River in Tibet.
The 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is a critical component of India’s water security and national interest in the Northeast. It will generate clean energy and enhance environmental resilience and safeguard downstream rice flows.
According to Siang Deputy Commissioner P N Thungon, the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is about harnessing the potential of the River Siang for the collective prosperity of the area and security of the state and the nation.
