Itanagar, May 24: Villagers from Pangkang (Kumku) in Arunachal Pradesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government to commence the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) at Boleng in Siang district.

The MoU was signed on Friday by village leaders Taba Tamut and Bakin Tali, and Siang Deputy Commissioner PN Thungon, representing the government. The signing ceremony was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Panchayati Raj, State Transport, and Cooperation Ojing Tasing; Joint Secretary for Hydropower Hage Lailang; Chief Engineer for Hydropower Atek Miyu; and BJP Arunachal Pradesh General Secretary Nalong Mize.

The agreement includes a development package of Rs 5 crore over three years, to be overseen by a Village Development Committee (VDC) composed mainly of families likely to be affected by the project. The VDC will manage infrastructure improvements, health services, and livelihood programs in the village.

The MoU also provides for continuous consultations with local stakeholders to ensure the project aligns with community priorities.

The SUMP is designed to generate clean energy, support economic development, and act as a strategic response to upstream hydropower projects by China on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It is expected to regulate river flow critical for agriculture, drinking water, and ecological balance in Northeast India.

Deputy Commissioner Thungon said, “This project is about harnessing the potential of River Siang for the collective prosperity of the local community, state, and nation.”