Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday, April 14, said the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is a major national initiative with importance linked to security needs, environmental balance and economic progress.
During his visit to Riga village in Siang district, the chief minister told a public gathering that about 70 per cent of villagers have already consented by signing MoUs for the project’s pre-feasibility study.
He also called on remaining residents to extend their support, saying the project offers wider benefits for the region.
According to him, the project would play a role in controlling floods, maintaining steady river flow, improving water regulation and protecting communities living downstream.
He further stated that it would help protect the Siang river ecosystem while also improving India’s preparedness in view of developments taking place in upstream regions.
Responding to concerns, Khandu made it clear that the current study stage does not mean approval for construction.
He added that consultations with the public will take place in later phases and that final decisions will be taken only after discussions with affected communities.
The project, estimated at around Rs 1.5 lakh crore, is expected to bring major gains in infrastructure development, job creation, agriculture-related growth and compensation support for landowners, he said.
During the same programme, development works worth Rs 196.44 crore were also initiated and foundation stones were laid, according to reports.
These works include staff housing, a community hall at New Hiram in Riga, a women’s police station at Pangin and a multipurpose cultural hall at Pegging Bote.
He also began construction of a 120-bed hostel and other infrastructure upgrades at Government Higher Secondary School in Pangin, along with road improvement works at Boleng headquarters.
Separately, several completed projects were inaugurated, including an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Pangin, a two-lane road linking BRTF Rengo with the district hospital in Boleng, a 70-metre Bailey bridge over the Subbung river on the Dosing–Pareng–Yibuk route, and a fire station at Boleng.
At Riga, Boleng and across the district, the chief minister unveiled plans for several new projects, which include a circuit house, an upgraded water supply system and a stadium to be developed for public use.