The Centre and Arunachal Pradesh government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on September 15 for implementing a special development package in the Siang and Upper Siang districts.

The MoU was inked between the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (under the Ministry of Jal Shakti) and the state government. The initiative is a pre-investment activity of the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project and aims to uplift local communities through livelihood generation and infrastructure enhancement. Key sectors include animal husbandry, piggery, fisheries, poultry, horticulture, handloom, bamboo, eco-tourism, and beekeeping.

To boost local industries, the package also includes strategic marketing and branding for regional products, especially textiles and bamboo crafts. Infrastructure support will come through the creation of common facility centres, marketing hubs, resource centres, and emporia. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable livelihoods, economic empowerment, and regional development amid growing geopolitical challenges.