Manoj Singh
ITANAGAR : Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak on Thursday urged the Central Government to provide a special financial package for relief, rehabilitation and restoration in the flood- and landslide-hit districts of Arunachal Pradesh, assuring that he would raise the issue in Parliament and pursue additional assistance from the Centre.
Speaking to reporters after a day-long inspection of disaster-affected areas in Papum Pare district and the Trans Arunachal Highway, Tagak said the state is passing through one of its most difficult periods, with cloudbursts, landslides and floods causing widespread destruction across several districts.
He said six to seven people have lost their lives, while several others remain missing or injured. More than 95,000 people have been affected, with extensive damage reported to houses, public infrastructure and livelihoods.
Tagak said roads and bridges have been washed away, more than 70,000 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land have been affected, and livestock losses have further compounded the hardships faced by the people. He stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive relief, rehabilitation and restoration package from the Centre.
While appreciating the Arunachal Pradesh Government for providing immediate relief to affected families, the MP said long-term restoration would require substantial Central assistance. He added that he would soon meet the concerned Union Ministers to press for additional support.
Tagak also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for promptly deputing a Central team led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and an Inter-Ministerial Central Team, to assess the disaster situation in the state. He noted that the team had inspected Keyi Panyor district on Wednesday and was visiting Lower Siang district on Thursday before concluding its visit.
Appealing to the Centre for immediate assistance to expedite restoration and rehabilitation works, Tagak urged the people to remain vigilant, noting that the monsoon season is expected to continue for another two months.
Earlier in the day, the MP inspected the Power House area and arterial road at the Pare Hydroelectric Project in Hoj, besides visiting Luksin, Yabi-II, Hoj and other affected areas under Toru Circle in Sagalee subdivision. He also inspected damaged stretches of the Trans Arunachal Highway from Doimukh to the major blockade point in Papum Pare district.
During the inspection, Tagak directed the Highway Department to immediately construct a Bailey bridge to restore connectivity until a permanent bridge is built. He said the temporary bridge would facilitate the movement of essential commodities and commuters to and from Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Kamle and Upper Subansiri districts.
The MP was accompanied by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lopsang Tsering, Sagalee Additional Deputy Commissioner Kipa Raja, elected Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, Heads of Departments and other officials.
