Itanagar, Dec 30 (NationPress) - In a pivotal move to enhance national water and energy security, the residents of Komkar in Arunachal Pradesh have voiced strong support for the pre-feasibility studies of the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project (USMP), a significant hydropower project aiming for a generation capacity of 11,000 MW, as reported by officials.

An official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) revealed that on Tuesday, the villagers of Komkar in Upper Siang district signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arunachal Pradesh government, clearly indicating their full support for the development of the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the SUMP.

This project has been recognized as a matter of national significance by the Government of India since 2008. The signing of the MoU was witnessed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu (virtually), Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ojing Tasing, Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, and various senior government officials.

Representatives from 245 out of 257 households in Komkar - representing over 95 percent consensus - officially supported the agreement, highlighting the robust community backing for the PFR studies.

This development signifies a crucial milestone in propelling the SUMP forward, embodying a model of informed consent, continuous dialogue, and community involvement, while balancing development ambitions with environmental and social considerations.

Village representatives reaffirmed their joint commitment to national interests and the sustained safety and prosperity of the Siang region and the Adi community.

The CMO official noted that villagers appreciated the state government’s comprehensive consultations and awareness programs, especially concerning the strategic, ecological, and water security aspects of the project.

In his address, Chief Minister Pema Khandu thanked the people of Komkar for being the first village in Upper Siang district to formally support the PFR studies, following similar agreements by four villages in the Siang district.

He clarified that this agreement is solely for the preparation of the PFR and ensured that no construction decisions would be made without extensive consultations and the agreement of all Project Affected Families (PAFs).

The Chief Minister also highlighted emerging hydrological issues, such as potential diversions or reductions in water flow in the Siang River due to upstream activities, emphasizing the project’s necessity for maintaining ecological flow and regional water security.

Khandu further expressed thanks to the Government of India for sanctioning a Rs 350 crore special development package for the Siang and Upper Siang districts, focused on enhancing education, healthcare, livelihoods, and infrastructure. He encouraged Komkar village to form a Village Development Committee to determine priority initiatives under this package.

Reiterating the government's pledge to transparency and public engagement, the Chief Minister assured that public opinion and consent would be pivotal at every stage of pre-construction activities following the PFR's completion.

Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta commended the villagers for their unity and highlighted Komkar's contribution to nation-building and regional advancement.

MLA Oni Panyang characterized the consensus as a demonstration of maturity and collective wisdom, noting that Komkar has established a standard for participatory decision-making in the district. Minister Ojing Tasing mentioned that the MoU followed over a year of thorough discussions with all households.

He emphasized the strategic importance of the SUMP in protecting the region against downstream threats and ensuring long-term stability for both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.