KHONSA : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta on Saturday undertook a comprehensive review of key developmental initiatives in Tirap district, focusing on the implementation of flagship government schemes, infrastructure projects and delivery of welfare programmes.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Chief Electoral Officer Pawan Kumar Sain, and Director, Health & Family Welfare Marbom Basar. Deputy Commissioner, Tirap, Badonlum Tawsik, APCS (AG), Zilla Parishad Chairperson Advocate John KK Matey, Superintendent of Police Aditya, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Khonsa, Namneet Singh, ADC Deomali Tana Bapu, administrative officers and Heads of Departments attended the review meeting.
Reviewing ongoing developmental works, Gupta stressed timely execution, quality assurance, effective monitoring and close inter-departmental coordination. He directed all departments to work in coordination to ensure effective implementation of government schemes and timely completion of infrastructure projects.
The Chief Secretary advised the District Horticulture Officer, Khonsa, to intensify awareness among farmers on scientific horticulture practices as a sustainable alternative to shifting cultivation under relevant flagship programmes. He stressed that such initiatives should promote sustainable livelihoods, enhance agricultural productivity and increase farmers’ incomes.
He also called for greater public awareness on cleanliness, proper waste disposal and prevention of littering in Khonsa and Deomali towns. He stressed the need for appropriate wastewater treatment and improved sanitation and suggested preparation of comprehensive City Master Plans for both towns to facilitate planned urban development, parking management and better regulation of traffic.
Emphasising optimal utilisation of existing government assets, Gupta directed departments to explore the possible reutilisation of defunct or underutilised assets through suitable engagement of Self-Help Groups, NGOs and other community-based organisations. He also stressed conservation of water sources and catchment areas through plantation and other appropriate measures to ensure long-term water security.
Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik presented a comprehensive overview of the district’s developmental status, major infrastructure projects, key achievements, ongoing initiatives and administrative challenges. Shortage of manpower at the Zonal General Hospital, Khonsa, and damage to roads at various locations were among the key issues highlighted.
Various departments subsequently presented the status of their respective schemes and projects, covering Health and Family Welfare, Education, Police, PWD, RWD, Urban Development, Rural Development, PHE&WS, Water Resources, Power, APEDA, Agriculture, Horticulture, Election, Fisheries, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Environment and Forest, Textiles and Handicrafts and Disaster Management.
Superintendent of Police Aditya briefed the Chief Secretary on measures being taken to combat drug peddling and insurgency-related activities. He informed that cases related to drug peddling were being actively pursued, while insurgency-related activities had shown a declining trend in the district.
The Environment and Forest Department apprised the meeting of plantation and conservation initiatives being implemented under the CAMPA scheme.
The District Agriculture Officer highlighted difficulties faced by beneficiaries in obtaining bank loans under various agricultural schemes, particularly delays in the release and disbursement of sanctioned loans by banks. Similar concerns were raised by the Fisheries Department regarding delays in loan disbursement to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and other initiatives under the Aatmanirbhar programme.
Chief Electoral Officer Pawan Kumar Sain highlighted the importance of the Chief Minister’s Arogya Arunachal Yojana and other welfare schemes and stressed the need to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are adequately informed and able to access the benefits.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of the district administration and various departments and directed them to maintain transparency, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, ensure quality execution and expedite project implementation so that the intended benefits reach the people within the stipulated timelines.
Earlier, Gupta, accompanied by the Chief Electoral Officer, Director, Health & Family Welfare, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Executive Engineer, PWD, inspected the newly constructed first-floor extension of the existing PWD Circuit House at Khonsa.
He appreciated the quality of construction and aesthetic design of the facility and commended Executive Engineer, PWD, Er Taro Jeram, for his efforts in executing the project.
The day-long review was aimed at assessing the progress of major developmental projects, identifying bottlenecks and ensuring timely completion of ongoing works for the benefit of the people of Tirap district.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by ADC Khonsa Namneet Singh, IAS, who assured that the directions and observations made by the Chief Secretary would be followed up by the district administration and concerned departments.
