Reiterating the importance of good surface, air and rail connectivity in the State for tapping potentials in various sectors and boosting economic activities of Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday said that foothill belts of the State can lead the future of Arunachal economy towards the path of prosperity.
“The Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken lots of initiatives to strengthen connectivity in the State and the region. Arunachal is all set to witness a lot of economic development with good connectivity and completion of various vital infrastructure projects,” said Khandu who was in Pasighat to inaugurate a conference hall constructed under the state infrastructure development fund at Mebo ADC headquarters.
The Chief Minister further informed that to supplement the Central Government initiative under the UDAAN project and to provide affordable air connectivity for the general public and boost inflow of tourists, the State Government has launched the Chief Minister’s Air Connectivity Scheme which would connect other uncovered advance landing grounds (ALGs) of Arunachal Pradesh which are located at Aalo, Mechuka, Tuting, Walong etc.
He further said the foundation stone for the Greenfield Airport in Itanagar will be laid in December next.
Referring to the need for carrying out railway connectivity works to connect Pasighat and the areas of the State, Khandu also sought cooperation of the public, particularly landowners in development works.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the gaon buras (village chiefs) of Mebo on immediate measures to address the issue of massive erosion by the Siang River threatening the existence of villages and agricultural land due to the turbidity and unusual waves and the resultant siltation of the Siang River since the last two years, the Chief Minister assured that required funds will be sanctioned on priority.
Khandu informed that he has already directed the East Siang Deputy Commissioner to conduct a survey with the executing agency within a day or two and submit the detailed project report at the earliest so that flood protection works can be completed before the next monsoon season.
On the long term measures to combat the erosion, Khandu said his government has already been taking up the issue with the Central Government.
An expert technical team from the Centre will soon visit the region, the chief minister assured.
Khandu also appreciated the suggestion of diverting the Siang River from Sigar area as put forward by Group Captain Mohanta Panging, VM (Retd) and asserted that his government would take all possible steps to address the issue.
Also present on the occasion were, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, advisor to Chief Minister and local MLA Lombo Tayeng, Forests and Environment Minister Nabam Rebia, State BJP president Tapir Gao, MLAs Tapuk Taku, Gabriel D Wangsu, PWD commissioner Belatee Pertin among several others.