GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday said the completion of hydropower projects will boost the per capita income of the state.

On December 30, 2023, the state inked an MoA with THDC India Limited (THDCIL) to build the 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project (HEP) at the Lohit River basin.

Earlier in August 2023, the state government had signed MoAs with three central PSUs — NHPC Ltd, SJVN Ltd and NEEPCO Ltd for developing 12 HEPs with a cumulative installed capacity of about 11,517 MW.

“In terms of harnessing the hydropower potential of the state, the recently inked MoAs with Central PSUs worth 12500 MW is poised to increase the purchasing power of the locals. After the completion of these hydropower projects, Arunachal Pradesh will have the highest per capita income,” Mein said while inaugurating Infrastructural Assets at the Tamla-Du Festival Ground, Medo on Tuesday.

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Taking Arunachal Pradesh as a prime example of development in the northeast, Mein underscored the progress made in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, hydropower, etc. 

“Over the past couple of years under the Khandu-led BJP government, with constant support from the Central government with a 136% rise in GSDP, more than 104% growth in per capita income, 172% surge in States Own Revenue (SOR), and 136% increase in GST revenue collection, compounded with other strategic factors, Arunachal Pradesh happens to be among the top performing states in the Northeast in terms of financial management,” he said.

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“From the 2015-16 fiscal up till now, a total of 19863 km of all-weather roads have been constructed, out of which 2482 km of roads form part of the National Highway. The road density has also increased from 36.65 km per sq km to 65.99 km per sq km during this tenure,” he said. 

“The recently sanctioned funds towards the ambitious Frontier Highway (NH 913) as stated by Union minister for road transport Nitin Gadkari entails a total of Rs 6362.23 crore, covering a total of 295.84 km of the NH-913,” he also said.

He said that in Lohit district, the tender for the construction project connecting Brahma Kund to Chowkham has already opened, and construction work will be started soon. 

He further said that so far, a total of Rs 37 cr has been utilized towards the development of the Parshuram Kund under the PRASAD scheme by the Centre. 

“The DoNER Ministry has agreed to grant another Rs 50 crore towards the cause. The Arunachal Pradesh government will invest an additional Rs 50 crore for the development, taking the total budget to a staggering Rs 137 crore. Plans including riverfront development, guest houses, Dharamshala, etc,” the deputy chief minister said.

Mein joined the celebrations of the Tamladu Festival 2024 of the Mishmi community in Medo village and also inaugurated infrastructural assets, including boundary walls, a stage with a dais, a sitting hall and a dining & kitchen building at the Tamla-Du Festival ground on Tuesday.

Applauding the executing agencies for the timely completion of the infrastructure, Mein noted that the permanent structure will be beneficial for cutting down on recurring expenses associated with setting up make-shift arrangements to accommodate large gatherings and organise functions during festivals. 

Mein assured that the construction of a permanent shed for the local Puja Mandap (prayer hall) within the premises along with the concrete pavement of the festival ground will be soon added to the pipeline.

Mein said the period from around December to April is filled with a plethora of vibrant festivals of the diverse tribal communities all around Arunachal Pradesh, such as the Poi Pee Mau, Reh, Losar, Boori Boot Yullo, Shapawng Yawng Manau, Ali Aye Ligang, Mopin and so on. 

The deputy CM talked about the potential of building cultural tourism in the State, as per his recent discussion with the advisor of Rural Tourism & Homestays, Arunachal Pradesh government, Raj Basu. These festivals play a major role in preserving the traditional heritage of the indigenous communities and offer a wide spectrum of local customs, delicacies, etc. to be explored by tourists.

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