Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the presence of chief minister Pema Khandu on Friday inaugurated an integrated multi village water supply project for Jia, Bolung and Bukkong villages of Lower Dibang Valley district.
The new project which has elements of drinking water, green energy and tourism as its components is a solar-based lift water supply system designed to provide drinking water to 39 census villages of the Lower Dibang Valley district.
The project was sanctioned under the state plan at an estimated cost of Rs 31 crore and is designed to cover more than 17 thousand population of the area with the help of 14 distribution tanks and piping systems.
The project also aims to promote tourism in the area for which parks, swimming pools, cafeterias and aquariums have also been built adjoining the water project.
Speaking on the occasion, Shekhawat said the water project is not only the first of its kind in the state but the entire nation.
“The project is as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for multiple resource utilization. The model of the project should be replicated across the country,” he said.
Chief Minister Khandu in his speech said the project is a first of its kind in the state using a green energy-solar grid, SCADA automation system, pre-fabricated zinc alum storage tank and HDPE conduit for mains, sub-mains and distribution networking system.
“The project also envisages the promotion of tourism in the area which will enhance the living standards of the people and thus help in boosting rural economy, the chief minister said.
Khandu appreciated the initiative of the local community to make the project sustainable whereby the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) through Gram Sabhas decided to raise minimum water tariff.
Also in order to ensure sustainability of the water project park, the local villagers agreed for sharing of responsibility in management of the assets in the park.
Earlier, union minister Shekhawat inaugurated a documentation center at RIWATCH museum in the district.
The Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions Cultures and Heritage (RIWATCH) is upcoming centre to preserve Tribal cultural heritage and promote research and higher studies on Tribal traditions around the world.
The day also saw chief minister Khandu launch ‘Arunachal Jal Sankalp’, a state government dedicated flagship programme to supplement the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and to sustain the drinking water systems.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, home minister Bamang Felix PHE minister Wangki Lowang, education minister Taba Tedir and legislators Gum Tayeng, Mutchu Mithi, Dasanglu Pul and MLA Mopi Mihu were present on the occasion.
