Itanagar: The Centre and Arunachal Pradesh government have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the implementation of a special development package for the Siang Region.
The agreement is a major step toward creating livelihoods and improving infrastructure in the state.
The initiative is being undertaken as a pre-investment activity of the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
The MoU was signed in the presence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, state coordination, planning and investment commissioner Ankur Garg; secretary to the water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation department under the Union Jal Shakti Ministry V L Kantha Rao; Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, and S K Sinha, commissioner of the ministry, respectively.
Multiple intervention areas, including livelihood activities, creation of new infrastructure facilities, and upgradation of existing assets in Siang and Upper Siang districts have been identified under the package.
Key sectors of focus include animal husbandry, piggery, fisheries, poultry farming, horticulture, handloom, bamboo, eco-tourism, and beekeeping.
Officials emphasised that the scheme will uplift the quality of life while strengthening the socio-economic fabric of the region.
In addition, the package will also facilitate marketing and branding of local products. Distinct identities will be created for textiles, bamboo-based goods, and other indigenous crafts, enabling artisans to reach wider markets.
Besides, the region will see the establishment of key infrastructure to support these sectors, including common facility centres, craft-based resource centres, marketing and sourcing hubs, urban haats, emporia, and raw material depots.
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Senior officials emphasized that this initiative demonstrates the central government’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in Arunachal Pradesh.
