Dibrugarh: A four-day training and orientation programme on water management and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) concluded at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Boleng on Friday, bringing together government officials, teachers, health workers and Anganwadi personnel to strengthen awareness about the proposed project and sustainable water resource management.
The programme, held from July 28 to 31, witnessed the participation of around 240 people across four sessions, including teachers, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Health Assistants, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, as well as officers and staff from various government departments.
The initiative aimed to provide participants with a better understanding of SUMP, described as a project of national importance, while also highlighting water conservation, river basin management and the project’s anticipated role in the region’s long-term development.
Deputy Commissioner of Siang, Tayi Taggu, attended all four sessions and interacted with participants throughout the programme. Addressing the concluding session, he stressed the need for sustainable water resource management and called for informed and transparent public participation in the implementation of SUMP.
Tapik Komut, District Planning Officer (DPO), Siang, served as a key resource person during all four sessions. He emphasised the importance of community awareness and, along with NHPC officials, spoke on water conservation and river basin management.
Tabom Taggu, Group Senior Manager (GSM), NHPC, delivered detailed presentations on river management, water conservation, the proposed project’s benefits and the overall objectives of SUMP. He also responded to participants’ queries and took part in interactive discussions during each session.
The programme also featured contributions from other resource persons. Tanom Tatak, Assistant Engineer (Civil) with the Department of Hydro Power Development, participated in the July 28 session for teachers, while Dr Johny Darang, District Medical Officer (DMO), joined the July 30 session for ANMs, Health Assistants and ASHA workers, answering questions and leading discussions.
Each day’s programme was tailored to a specific stakeholder group.
The opening session on July 28, attended by around 60 teachers, focused on enabling schools to become platforms for sharing accurate information about SUMP, water management and regional development.
On July 29, approximately 60 CDPOs and Anganwadi workers attended an orientation aimed at equipping them to disseminate information about the project at the grassroots level through Anganwadi centres.
The July 30 session brought together nearly 50 ANMs, Health Assistants and ASHA workers, who were trained to help local communities understand the importance of water management and its contribution to regional development.
The final session on July 31 was attended by around 70 departmental officers and staff, ensuring consistent and coordinated communication about the project across government departments.
As part of the programme, participants watched seven informational videos on SUMP and water management. They were also provided with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Benefits of the Project (BOP) booklets to improve their understanding of the project’s objectives and expected outcomes.
Throughout the four-day programme, speakers highlighted SUMP‘s potential contribution to regional infrastructure, water resource management and long-term sustainable development. Officials said the initiative marked an important step towards fostering greater public awareness and building transparent, long-term engagement between the proposed project and local communities.