Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik said on Friday that the Centre has approved the State Government’s proposals to connect 125 unconnected habitations under the flagship Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) at the cost of over Rs 2200 crore.
“Under the Vibrant Villages Programme, the Ministry of Rural Development has approved proposals to connect 125 unconnected habitations. These encompass 105 roads, covering a total distance of 1,022 km, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,205 crores,” revealed the Governor while addressing the gathering on the occasion of 75th Republic Day at the IG Park here.
As per the RD Ministry, 135 out of 455 villages (identified as ‘priority villages’ under the VVP) in Arunachal Pradesh are unconnected. Detailed project reports for 105 road projects to connect 125 of these unconnected villages have been prepared, while the remaining 10 villages are not being considered presently due to land-related issues.
Greeting all citizens, including the brave soldiers of the Armed Forces guarding the country’s borders, on this auspicious occasion, Parnaik informed that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is set to complete the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, the world’s longest twin-lane tunnel above 13,000 feet, which will allow faster deployment of weapons and soldiers to forward areas in Tawang, bordering China.
Another key project for improved connectivity in forward areas, the Nechiphu tunnel, has been inaugurated by the Defence Minister. The 500-metre tunnel has been built at a height of 5,700 feet on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) road in West Kameng district, he said.
The Governor also mentioned that over the past seven years, Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed a substantial surge in road infrastructure, with a 65 percent increase in road density, a 64 percent expansion in road length, and the construction of an extensive 19,863 km road network. There has been a remarkable 138 percent rise in the length of national highways in the last seven years, with the development of 2,482 km of national highways, he said.
“Despite the formidable terrain challenges of our landlocked state, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu ji, has admirably performed to revolutionise road connectivity,” Parnaik said in his Republic Day address.
He also stated that the state has made substantial investments in enhancing regional and national air connectivity, fostering cultural exchange, boosting tourism, and facilitating trade.
In addition to the Greenfield Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi, Itanagar (Arunachal’s first full-fledged airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022), the state now boasts operational airports at Pasighat, Tezu, and Ziro, along with seven advanced landing grounds and 25 operational helipads.
The Governor, who earlier unfurled the national flag and took salute from marching contingents, in his address also highlighted the achievements and initiatives of the state government over the period in various fields such as water, power, waste management, border areas, investment in the health sector and human capital, peace and justice, agriculture and allied sectors, hydropower, art and culture, indigenous affairs, and sports and youth affairs.
Before concluding, Paranik said, “Friends, I would like to remind you of the pivotal times we live in; the country is entering an epochal age of transformative economic growth as well as social and cultural awakening, shunning age-old shackles.”
The ‘Panch Prans’ of a resolve of developed India; removing any trace of the colonial mindset; taking pride in our legacy; our strength of unity; and fulfilling the duties of citizens with honesty, enunciated by the Prime Minister, are a roadmap for all of us to contribute to achieve our collective aim of peace, prosperity, and progress for all, he said.
“Let us all join the Prime Minister’s clarion call of ‘Nation First’ in all we do. I am sure that with our collective effort, we will not only become Atma-Nirbhar but also play our part in the country becoming the ‘Vishwaguru’ in all respects,” the Governor added.
Later on, Chief Secretary Dharmendra announced the names of the awardees of the State Awards 2024, comprising gold medal 2, silver medal 9, and commendation certificate 4.
