In a landmark move for regional development and India's water security, the residents of Komkar village in Arunachal Pradesh have formally thrown their weight behind a crucial infrastructure study. The community signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government, endorsing the preparation of the pre-feasibility report for the ambitious Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
Overwhelming Community Support for Strategic Project
The signing ceremony, held on Tuesday, witnessed an impressive show of grassroots democracy. Representatives from 245 out of 257 households in Komkar village put their signatures on the agreement. This translates to an endorsement by over 95% of the village, demonstrating robust local backing for the initial studies of the project, which was declared of national importance by the Central government back in 2008.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu who joined virtually, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing, Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang, and Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta. The high-level presence underscored the strategic significance of the SUMP for both the state and the nation.
A Model of Informed Consent and Sustained Dialogue
This development is being hailed as a milestone that reinforces a collaborative model of development. It prioritizes informed consent, sustained dialogue, and active community participation, aiming to balance developmental goals with environmental and social sensitivities. Village representatives explicitly expressed their commitment to the national interest and the long-term safety and prosperity of the Siang belt and the indigenous Adi community.
They acknowledged and appreciated the state government's extensive consultation process and awareness-building initiatives. These efforts focused on educating the community about the project's strategic importance for water security, its ecological dimensions, and the potential benefits for the region.
Clarity on Scope and Future Steps
In his address, Chief Minister Pema Khandu thanked the people of Komkar for becoming the first village in Upper Siang district to formally support the Pre-Feasibility Report studies. This follows similar agreements previously signed by four villages in the neighboring Siang district.
Khandu provided crucial clarity, assuring villagers that the current MoU is strictly limited to the preparation of the PFR. He gave a firm assurance that no decision regarding actual construction would be made without exhaustive consultations and the explicit consent of all project-affected families. This assurance is pivotal in maintaining trust and ensuring that the project advances with a people-centric approach.
The agreement marks a critical step forward for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, setting a precedent for community-involved development in the strategically vital frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh. It paves the way for detailed studies that will determine the project's technical, economic, and environmental viability.
