Itanagar: In a significant move for Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang region, the Centre and the state government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to implement a special development package aimed at boosting livelihoods, infrastructure, and local industries ahead of the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
The package, framed as a pre-investment initiative for the mega hydroelectric and water storage project, focuses on improving the socio-economic landscape of Siang and Upper Siang districts. Key interventions will target livelihood activities, creation of new infrastructure, and the upgradation of existing assets.
Priority sectors include animal husbandry, piggery, fisheries, poultry, horticulture, handloom, bamboo, eco-tourism, and beekeeping.
Officials emphasized that the scheme will not only enhance the quality of life for local communities but also strengthen the region’s overall socio-economic fabric.
A core component of the plan involves marketing and branding indigenous products, including textiles and bamboo-based crafts, enabling artisans to access broader domestic and international markets.
Infrastructure support such as common facility centres, craft-based resource hubs, marketing and sourcing centres, urban haats, emporia, and raw material depots will be established across the districts to support this effort.
The MoU signing was attended by top officials including Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, State Coordination, Planning and Investment Commissioner Ankur Garg, Union Jal Shakti Ministry Secretary V L Kantha Rao, Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, and S K Sinha, Commissioner (B&B) of the Ministry.
Senior officials described the initiative as a reflection of the Centre’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development in Arunachal Pradesh. They highlighted that the package represents a significant investment in the future of the region, aiming to empower local communities, create sustainable livelihoods, and lay the groundwork for comprehensive regional development.
The Upper Siang Multipurpose Project, once implemented, is expected to play a strategic role in clean energy generation, flood moderation, and water security in the Brahmaputra basin. Officials noted that the interventions under this development package are designed to ensure that local communities are better prepared to leverage opportunities arising from the SUMP, making them active participants in the region’s transformation.
With this dual focus on immediate development and long-term strategic planning, the Centre and Arunachal Pradesh are setting the stage for a transformative phase in Siang and Upper Siang, potentially reshaping the region’s economy and livelihoods in the coming decade.
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