More than 330 students in Arunachal Pradesh took part in a three-day educational exhibition in Boleng focused on river conservation, sustainable infrastructure and the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), as organisers attempted to create awareness among young students about environmental management and large-scale development projects in the region. The programme, held across multiple schools in Boleng, aimed to explain complex issues related to the Siang River and infrastructure development in a simple and accessible manner for school students. Organisers said the initiative was designed to encourage informed discussion among young people at a time when interest and debate around the proposed Siang project continue to grow in the region.
The outreach drive began at the Government Upper Primary School in Rengo before expanding to other educational institutions in the town over the next two days.According to organisers, around 50 students first attended sessions at PM SHRI Secondary School. Later, nearly 130 students participated in the programme at Government Higher Secondary School, taking the total participation across all venues to more than 330 students. Instead of following the usual lecture-based format, organisers created a visual exhibition divided into 12 separate sections to make the sessions more interactive and easier for students to understand. Students were taken through the journey of the Siang River and introduced to subjects connected to river conservation, flood management, electricity generation and regional development. The sessions attempted to explain how major infrastructure projects can affect local communities, the environment and future economic opportunities.
Educators involved in the programme said efforts were made to keep the presentations factual and simple so that students from different age groups could easily understand the topics being discussed. As part of the outreach programme, students were also given illustrated FAQ booklets designed in an anime-style format. The booklet answered common questions related to infrastructure projects in the region and attempted to clear misconceptions through simplified explanations and verified information.
