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PASIGHAT, OCT 6: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday reiterated that the immediate requirement for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is to conduct the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR), and that no final decision on construction would be taken before completing the prescribed technical, legal and statutory processes. Speaking at an official function here, Khandu said SUMP should not presently be viewed merely as a hydropower project, but also in the context of creating a mechanism to address potential water-related risks and provide a controlled system for managing water flows. He said the PFR would be followed by necessary studies and statutory consultations, including Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as required under law. Technical experts, he said, would have to examine issues relating to the project, while people from affected areas would have the opportunity to raise their concerns and seek clarifications. “Until and unless we are satisfied, this project cannot go ahead,” Khandu said, stressing the need for informed public participation rather than misinformation. The Chief Minister said the State Government would keep its offices open for delegations and discussions on SUMP and invited representatives to make presentations and seek clarifications. Efforts would also be made to disseminate information on the project in the Adi language through social media. Maintaining that SUMP is a national project with strategic implications, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh’s location along international borders made the State strategically important for the country. He referred to potential risks associated with water diversion and sudden water releases from upstream areas, besides the need for long-term measures to address recurring floods in the Siang belt. On hydropower development, Khandu described the sector as one of the State’s biggest opportunities for large-scale investment, saying around 19,000 MW of projects are currently at various stages of development. He said Arunachal Pradesh would continue to receive 12 per cent free power, while the Government of India had agreed to facilitate a 26 per cent equity share for the State in hydropower projects. The State’s equity contribution for the 19,000 MW projects could be around Rs 15,000 crore, he said, adding that the Centre had agreed to support the State in making the investment. Khandu said the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri project is expected to be fully commissioned next year, bringing both free-power and equity-related returns to the State. He said the State Budget had increased from around Rs 12,500 crore in 2015 to about Rs 40,000 crore now, and expressed confidence that expanding investment and strengthening State-owned resources would further boost the State’s economy. The Chief Minister reiterated that the immediate issue before the State was the PFR, not an irreversible decision to construct the dam, and appealed to people to allow the technical process to establish the facts before participating in subsequent statutory consultations and decision-making.  

ITANAGAR, OCT 6: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Tuesday reviewed the progress of key infrastructure and road projects in the Capital Region with Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) Mayor Likha Nari Tadar, IMC Commissioner Kego Jilen, Chief Engineer, Survey, Investigation, Design & Planning (SID&P), Er Bini Palen, and Executive Engineer, Naharlagun Highway Division, PWD, Er Hage Tajang, at Lok Bhavan here. The Governor stressed that planned urban development must focus on sustainable commitment, efficient execution and close coordination among all stakeholder agencies. He said Itanagar should evolve into a sustainable, future-focused and green city, with urban development centred on cleanliness, environmental sustainability, efficiency and citizen needs. Highlighting Itanagar’s importance as the State capital, Parnaik said civic initiatives relating to roads, sanitation, drainage, traffic management, public amenities and urban beautification should ultimately improve the quality of life of residents and create a more liveable urban environment. He emphasised that the Hollongi–Itanagar Highway, as the gateway to the State capital, must remain clean, safe and presentable. He directed the Highway Division to ensure timely repairs and regular maintenance, while asking the IMC to extend necessary support in maintaining cleanliness and civic amenities along the corridor. He also stressed continuous maintenance by contractors engaged under the ‘Risk and Cost’ clause. Appreciating the IMC’s efforts towards cleanliness and sanitation, the Governor encouraged the Corporation to strengthen public awareness and community participation, saying cleanliness should become a collective responsibility. The meeting also reviewed the condition of highways and major roads in and around the Capital Region. Expressing concern over stretches requiring attention, Parnaik called for timely repairs and a proactive approach to infrastructure upkeep, with emphasis on quality, durability and effective monitoring. He said well-maintained roads are vital for urban growth, economic activity and public safety, besides supporting tourism, commerce and emergency services.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 6: Arunachal Pradesh Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul on Tuesday met Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi in New Delhi and discussed issues concerning the welfare, protection and development of women and children in the State. The two ministers discussed strengthening ongoing initiatives and exploring effective strategies for women-led development, child protection, nutrition and early childhood care, Pul said in a social media post. They also deliberated on creating greater opportunities for women and adolescent girls and strengthening mechanisms for their safety, well-being and empowerment across Arunachal Pradesh. Pul reiterated the State government’s commitment to strengthening programmes for women and children and ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reach people at the grassroots. She expressed gratitude to the Union ministry for its initiatives, particularly those recognising and supporting the contributions of Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers and ASHA Didis, who play a crucial role in delivering essential services at the community level. During the meeting, Devi appreciated the recently organised Agan Milan Sewa Sammelan of Anganwadi Workers and ASHA Didis in Arunachal Pradesh and acknowledged the role of frontline workers in strengthening the delivery of women and child welfare services. Pul said the Union minister assured full support and cooperation in addressing the issues raised during the meeting and further strengthening initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of women and children in the State. She thanked Devi for her guidance and continued support to Arunachal Pradesh, and said coordinated efforts between the Centre and the State would further strengthen welfare programmes and improve their grassroots reach.    

PASIGHAT, OCT 6: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday dedicated several major infrastructure projects developed under the Pasighat Smart City Mission to the people, describing the transformation of the State’s oldest town as an important reflection of the development taking place across Arunachal Pradesh. Of the 43 projects taken up under the Pasighat Smart City Mission, 42 have been completed, Khandu said, adding that the remaining Sewage Treatment Plant is also expected to be completed soon. Among the completed projects are the Siang Riverfront Development, upgraded market area, Smart Guest House, District E-Library, Recreation Centre, Smart Roads, Solid Waste Management facilities and Integrated Command and Control Centre. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Mebo Entry Gate infrastructure. The Siang Riverfront Development, Smart Guest House and Recreation Centre are already being operated under revenue-generating models, while 22 completed projects have been handed over to the Pasighat Municipal Council and other concerned departments and agencies for operation and maintenance. The remaining completed projects are ready for handover. Addressing the gathering, Khandu said the Smart Cities Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 to take urban development across the country to a new level. Pasighat was accorded Smart City status in June 2017 following sustained efforts by the State Government, he said. He noted that Arunachal Pradesh is the only State in the Northeast with two Smart Cities—Pasighat and Itanagar—and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Union Government and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for supporting the State’s proposal. Khandu stressed that the infrastructure created through the mission must translate into better opportunities and quality of life for citizens. He particularly urged people to take ownership of public assets and ensure their proper upkeep. “Government infrastructure is created for the public. It is public property, and maintaining it is also the responsibility of the public,” he said, calling for greater community participation alongside the administration and elected representatives. Referring to the upkeep of public infrastructure in Tawang as an example of strong public ownership, Khandu expressed confidence that the people of the Adi community would demonstrate a similar sense of responsibility towards the newly created assets. Linking Pasighat’s transformation with the larger development vision, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh must contribute meaningfully to the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. “Viksit Bharat will happen only when Arunachal Pradesh is developed. Without Arunachal Pradesh, India cannot become Viksit Bharat,” he said, urging elected representatives, administrators and citizens to work towards building a Viksit Arunachal by 2047. The Chief Minister said the State had already initiated its planning process for the vision and would further firm it up in consultation with stakeholders. He stressed that the next phase of development should focus particularly on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth, including those in rural areas. Pointing to Siang’s tourism potential, Khandu said the riverfront and improved road and communication infrastructure could be leveraged to attract tourists and generate local employment. He called for innovative approaches by MLAs, councillors and panchayat representatives to convert local opportunities into viable economic activities. Khandu also called for greater convergence of Central and State schemes to maximise the impact of public expenditure. He said the Pasighat Smart City Mission was itself an example of such convergence, with around Rs 490 crore provided by the Government of India, Rs 51.77 crore by the State Government and Rs 3.94 crore mobilised through convergence funding. “Convergence should not be one plus one equals two; it should be one plus one equals eleven,” he said, urging officials to strategically combine schemes to create additional infrastructure and employment opportunities. He further highlighted agriculture, horticulture and other sectors as avenues for engaging youth, saying Arunachal Pradesh’s fertile land and diverse resources offer significant scope for entrepreneurship.    

RANGLUA, OCT 6: Thousands of mourners gathered at Ranglua on Monday to bid a final farewell to Panwang Wangham, the Paramount Chief of Rusa, who died at the age of 50 following a prolonged illness at Apollo Hospital in Guwahati. Wangham, regarded as the traditional head of Rusa comprising five recognised villages—Rusa, Ranglua, Kamkuh, Tanglam and Hahshe—and several unrecognised settlements, was laid to rest at his residential village of Ranglua in the presence of family members, traditional leaders, public representatives and well-wishers from across the region. Among those attending the funeral were Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, Longding-Pumao MLA Thangwang Wangham, the ADC and senior officers of Kanubari, representatives of various Wancho villages, and people from neighbouring Assam and Nagaland. Wangsu described the late chief as a respected traditional leader, a man of the people and a pillar of strength for the community. In a social media post, he said Wangham’s “quiet dignity and guidance” would be deeply missed and recalled the good times and memories shared with him. The gathering reflected the respect and affection Wangham commanded across communities and beyond the traditional boundaries of his chiefdom. Wangham was the eldest son of late Nokram Wangham. His family holds a significant place in the history of the region and was among the early royal families to engage with the modern administration as it began taking shape in the area. His death has left a deep sense of loss among the people of Rusa and the wider Wancho community, where traditional institutions continue to play an important role in social and community life. He is survived by his mother, two wives, one son and three daughters.  

NAMSAI, OCT 6: Secretary, Art & Culture, Arunachal Pradesh Mamta Riba, along with National Museum officials, visited the District Library, Namsai on Tuesday and reviewed its functioning, facilities and public-oriented activities. Deputy Curator (Archaeology) Arvind Rautela and Assistant Chemist D J Pradeep of the National Museum, New Delhi, accompanied Riba during the visit. The visiting officials interacted with the library team and appreciated its systematic functioning and efforts to provide accessible and quality public library services to the community. The District Librarian gave a presentation highlighting the library’s major activities and achievements, including outreach programmes, reading promotion initiatives, community engagement, library services and technology-enabled initiatives. The visiting officials expressed satisfaction with the overall functioning of the library and appreciated its efforts to promote reading, learning and knowledge, particularly among children and students. The visit also facilitated an exchange of ideas on strengthening library services and exploring greater integration of cultural and knowledge-based activities for the benefit of the community.    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, OCT 6: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday visited the office of Chief Engineer, Project Brahmank, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and reviewed ongoing works and initiatives aimed at strengthening road connectivity and strategic infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Engineer Project Brahmank Pankaj Goyal briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing projects and activities, highlighting the BRO’s role in developing and maintaining strategic road infrastructure across the State’s difficult and remote terrain. Khandu was also apprised of Project Brahmank’s initiatives in environmental conservation, social responsibility and welfare of its personnel and local communities. These included tree plantation drives under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, Swachhata Abhiyan, International Yoga Day observance and environmental awareness programmes. Reaffirming his commitment to environmental conservation, Khandu planted a sapling during the visit and underscored the importance of protecting Arunachal Pradesh’s natural environment. The Chief Minister also interacted with officers and personnel of Project Brahmank and acknowledged their dedication and contribution to nation-building while serving in challenging and remote areas of the State. On the occasion, Col Ashish Raisinghani presented Khandu with a book showcasing Arunachal Pradesh’s travel and tourism opportunities, highlighting its mountain landscapes, unexplored destinations, natural beauty and tourism potential. The visit also reinforced cooperation between the State government and the BRO in infrastructure development, connectivity, environmental conservation and other areas of mutual importance.