In a significant move to enhance national water and energy security, residents of Komkar in Arunachal Pradesh have overwhelmingly backed the pre-feasibility studies of the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project (USMP). The project aims to generate 11,000 MW of power, and villagers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Arunachal Pradesh government to support the preparation of the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the project. This initiative, declared of national importance in 2008, received strong community endorsement with over 95% consensus from 245 out of 257 households in Komkar village.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ojing Tasing, Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, and other senior officials. The agreement signifies a crucial step forward in advancing the SUMP, emphasizing informed consent, ongoing dialogue, and community involvement while addressing environmental and social considerations. Villagers expressed their dedication to national interests and the well-being of the Siang belt and the Adi community.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu commended the villagers for their support and highlighted that the agreement solely pertains to the preparation of the Pre-Feasibility Report. He assured that no construction decisions would be made without the comprehensive consultation and consent of all Project Affected Families (PAFs). Khandu also stressed the importance of ensuring ecological flow and regional water security in the face of hydrological challenges that may arise due to the project.
