Amid opposition from certain quarters, 245 out of 257 households of Komkar village in Arunachal Pradesh have given their consent to the pre-feasibility study for Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
To this effect, the Arunachal Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the villagers of Komkar for undertaking the pre-feasibility study.
According to the state government, the overwhelming support of the people of 245 out of 257 households giving their consent, reflects strong public trust and an understanding of the project’s national importance.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu virtually attended the signing of the MoU.
Earlier, there had bee protests against the project with the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) strongly opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), citing major concerns over displacement.
SIFF president Lamok Padun had said that a majority of villagers in the Siang belt are opposed to the SUMP, even as the State government is “hell-bent” on pushing it forward. He alleged that local village chiefs were being coerced into signing agreements for the pre-feasibility study through pressure tactics.
The state government, however, maintained that the signing of the MoU marks a pivotal milestone in advancing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, reinforcing a model of informed consent, sustained dialogue and community participation, while balancing developmental aspirations with environmental and social sensitivities.
