Dibrugarh: In a continuation of efforts under the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), 17 more households from Riew village in Siang district have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities.
The MoU signing took place in the presence of Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu, along with Talum Tabing, chairman of the Village Development Committee, and Tajan Taki, its vice chairman.
Earlier, 62 per cent of households in Riew village had signed MoUs with the Arunachal Pradesh government in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, marking a key step towards initiating the PFR for the proposed 11,000 MW hydropower project.
Officials said the latest round of signings further strengthen community participation and will aid ongoing survey and assessment work.
Authorities attribute the growing participation to sustained outreach efforts in the Siang region, with officials engaging local communities in areas likely to be affected by the proposed dam. Many villagers have, in recent months, given their consent for the PFR to be conducted by NHPC.
The government has maintained that the project will proceed only if the PFR findings are favourable, stating that a negative assessment would lead to the proposal being dropped.
However, resistance persists in parts of the region, with some villagers continuing to oppose the proposed dam. Officials say greater awareness and engagement will be crucial in addressing concerns and building consensus around the project.