Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ujing Tsing said on Sunday that work on the pre-feasibility report for the Siang Aber multi-purpose project will begin soon.
Speaking to PTI, Tasing, who represents Pangin Assembly constituency, said the PFR activities will begin as early as March 20.
He said that of the 21 residences affected by the project, 7 of them are in the Siang district, and they have given their approval to the activities of the political finance watchdog.
He said the remaining housing stock affected by the project is located in the Upper Siang district of the state.
The minister said that almost all villages in Upper Siang approved the activities of the political finance watchdog, with the exception of Jiko.
However, he stressed that approval had been granted by the people for the activities of the political finance watchdog only.
Villages including Parong, Riga, Riew, Pangkang, Sitang and Begging have already been approved for activities of the political finance watchdog.
The national project has faced strong opposition from members of the Adi community, led by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and others, who have expressed concerns about displacement, environmental degradation and violations of their rights.
Tasing said the people’s participation and support for SUMP was due to their faith in the government and the continued support of Prime Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Prime Minister Chona Min.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that development is inclusive, transparent and consistent with the aspirations of the people, adding that political financing monitoring activities are an important step towards comprehensively evaluating the project.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting environmental and societal interests.
Tasing added that the government will also implement special development packages focusing on comprehensive and sustainable development of North African regions.
Envisioned as a major hydropower and flood control initiative with an estimated capacity of approximately 11,000 MW, the SUMP project is critical for energy security, river flow regulation, water storage, flood mitigation and sustainable regional development.
