Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Sep 21: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has reiterated that the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is a national project and appealed to the people of Siang and Upper Siang to extend their support while assuring them that their concerns and questions would be addressed through discussions.
Speaking after a consultative meeting with government officials and technical experts in Itanagar, Khandu said the government was committed to creating greater awareness about the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) and the proposed project among local communities.
The meeting brought together officers posted across Arunachal Pradesh, along with technical experts from the National Dam Safety Authority, Central Water Commission (CWC) and Geological Survey of India (GSI), stated CM. He also added that, the session focused on the technical aspects of the project and the role of government officials in explaining its significance to people in their respective areas.
Addressing concerns over fear and apprehension among residents in the Siang region amid security deployment, Khandu said the government would intensify its outreach efforts. He announced that he would soon visit Siang and Upper Siang to interact with local employees and communities.
He further stated that Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in charge of Hydropower would camp in the two districts in the coming days to engage with villagers and address their concerns. Khandu also said he would visit the region whenever necessary.
“People are the owners of the land and natural resources. It is very important to take them on board,” the Chief Minister said, underlining the need for public participation in the project.
Khandu claimed that several villages had already signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs), while some areas were yet to complete the process.
The Chief Minister invited residents to approach the government with their doubts and questions regarding the project, assuring them that the administration was open to discussion and would provide clarifications.
However, Khandu also issued a directive concerning government employees. He said that employees across the state should stand united in support of the national project and stated that action should be initiated against government employees who allegedly mislead or instigate people against it.
Responding to concerns that officers might feel threatened by the directive, Khandu said government employees were bound to follow government instructions, given the project's national status.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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