Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has assured road connectivity to the unreached circles of the landlocked hilly state, official sources said.
“We are committed to providing road connectivity to all and we will do it,” announced Khandu while addressing a public meeting at Daporijo, the headquarters of Upper Subansiri district on Friday.
Acknowledging the hardship faced by the people of Upper Subansiri due to the delay in construction of the Trans-Arunachal Highway connecting it with Likabali and Ziro, the Chief Minister said the Potin to Pangin stretch of the highway was mired with several issues, including corruption in payment of land compensations.
He informed that the Central Government divided the entire stretch into nine packages, which have been tendered and work has already started. He, however, revealed that package-5 is facing some hurdles and assured that he would take up the matter with the concerned department immediately after returning to the state capital.
Responding to a one-point memorandum submitted by local legislator Tanya Soki, Khandu appreciated the proposal for a proper drainage system and widening of all township roads. Assuring funds for the facelift of Daporijo township, he said the proposal when executed efficiently will help in the beautification of the otherwise picturesque town on the banks of Subansiri river.
Khandu, however, appealed to the people to keep the town clean and tidy. “We all miss the old Daporijo that we knew and loved. With a properly covered drainage system, the narrow streets would widen but you need to keep your town clean and free of garbage to restore its glory,” he said.
The CM also assured funds for augmentation of the water supply plant of the township, when informed that the existing plant is unable to meet the entire town’s needs.
To another request for exploring the possibility of a hydropower project in the district, Khandu said it was up to the people. “If you are sure and assure your all-out cooperation and support I can always approach public sector undertakings like NHPC to explore its viability,” he offered.
At the beginning of the meeting, Khandu, who was accompanied by Union Minister for Law & Justice Kiren Rijiju and a host of legislators laid the foundation stones for five major projects.
The projects include an Eco-Fishery Park under Chief Minister’s Challenge and Innovation Fund, double-storeyed multipurpose convention hall, material recovery facility of 5 ton capacity under solid waste management scheme, improvement of district headquarter road under Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Road Program and reconstruction of a steel truss bridge over river Sigin at Daporijo, the sources added.
