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4-Day SUMP Water Awareness Programme Ends in Boleng with 240 Attendees
A four-day awareness and training programme on water management and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) concluded successfully at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Boleng, engaging over 240 participants from various sectors. The programme, held from July 28 to July 31, brought together teachers, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), Anganwadi workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), ASHA workers, Health Assistants, and departmental officers and staff. The initiative aimed to build a clear understanding of SUMP as a project of national importance, while also focusing on water resource management, conservation techniques, and its broader developmental benefits for the region. Deputy Commissioner of Siang, Tayi Taggu, attended all four sessions and actively interacted with participants. Addressing the gathering on the concluding day, he emphasised the importance of sustainable water resource management and the need for informed and transparent public participation in the SUMP project. District Planning Officer Tapik Komut, who served as a key resource person throughout the programme, highlighted the importance of community awareness. Along with officials from NHPC, he guided participants on water conservation practices and river basin management. Group Senior Manager (GSM), NHPC, Tabom Taggu, delivered detailed presentations in all sessions, covering river management, water conservation, and the expected benefits of SUMP. He, along with other experts, also addressed queries and participated in interactive discussions. Additional contributions came from Tanom Tatak, Assistant Engineer (Civil), Department of Hydro Power Development, who participated in the July 28 session for teachers, and Dr Johny Darang, District Medical Officer (DMO), who joined the July 30 session for health workers, addressing queries and leading discussions. The programme was conducted in four separate sessions: July 28: Around 60 teachers attended, focusing on using schools as platforms to spread awareness about SUMP and water management. July 29: Approximately 60 CDPOs and Anganwadi workers participated, with an emphasis on grassroots-level awareness through Anganwadi centres. July 30: Around 50 ANMs, Health Assistants, and ASHA workers were trained to help communities understand the link between water management and development. July 31: The final session saw participation from about 70 departmental officers and staff, ensuring consistent and transparent communication about the project. During the sessions, seven informative videos on SUMP and water management were screened. Participants were also provided with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Benefits of the Project ( BOP ) booklets to enhance their understanding. Discussions throughout the programme highlighted the broader significance of SUMP, particularly its role in promoting regional stability, infrastructure growth, and long-term sustainable development. Officials described the four-day initiative as a significant step toward building stronger, transparent, and long-term partnerships between the project and the local communities it aims to serve. Also Read: Centre Releases Rs 2,117 Crore Flood Aid for Assam and Six States