ITANAGAR, Aug 19: In a landmark democratic move, residents of Begging Village in Siang District signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government today pledging their support for preparation of the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), declared a National Project by the Government of India in 2008.
The MOU was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, Minister (RD, PR etc.), OjingTasing, Advisor to the Minister, Department of Hydro Power Development, Ninong Ering, Chairperson, Siang Upper Multipurpose Development Committee, TamiyoTaga, Commissioner, Department of Hydro Power Development, Ankur Garg, the Deputy Commissioner, Siang District and other officials of the State Government.
By signing the MOU, more than 85% of the households of Begging village have pledged their irrevocable support for preparation of the PFR of the SUMP. Speaking on the occasion, residents of Begging emphasized their dedication and steadfast support for furthering the national development agenda and the need for the SUMP for India’s and Arunachal Pradesh’s water security, as well as a sustainable future for the Siang belt, and the continued peaceful and prosperous existence of the Adi community.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the potential adverse consequences of construction of dams upstream on the Yarlung Tsangpo(Siang) by the upper riparian country. He emphasized the strategic importance of PFR and assured the likely project affected families (PAFs) about provision of land and property compensation, and the preparation of aR&R plan in consultation with PAFs. Mein also highlighted the significant potential of hydro electricity as a means of economic and social growth in Arunachal Pradesh, as well as a means for generating innumerable employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh, and the North- East.
Ojing Tasing, Minister (RD, PR etc.) thanked the residents of Begging village for their support. Coming close on the heels of signing of MOUs by Riga and Riewvillages of Siang District for support for preparation of the PFR of the SUMP, he also emphasized that such MOUs are the result of sustained engagements by the State Government, and the consultative approach taken to create awareness regarding the SUMP and the need to continue to dispel myths and falsehoods being spread by certain sections regarding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
Ninong Ering, Advisor to the Minister, Department of Hydro Power Development thanked all residents of Begging village for coming forward on their own and expressing their wholehearted support for the preparation of PFR of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, a strategic project for the country.(DCMO)
