Arunachal: CM says holistic plan for flood-prone Paglam on priority

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pima Khandu on Friday assured the people of Paglam area of ​​Lower Dibang Valley district that an expert technical team would be dispatched to study the area and propose a comprehensive development plan, which the state government would take up.

Khandu said it would be immediately after the next budget meeting.

It should be noted that the area of ​​Paglam is at risk of flooding from the Siang River as well as its three other tributaries.

Attending the Ali-e-Ligang festival here, Khandu said the construction of a bridge and a road alone would not be enough for the overall development of an area that has been deprived for years.

He directed the Deputy Commissioner to provide all the government schemes and welfare measures under the flagship programs of the state and central government to the 10 villages of Paglam area by the government during his visit or any other program.

Responding to a memorandum submitted by local lawmaker Gum Tiang, Khandu said the state government would plan a comprehensive development program for the region, including every sector.

On the issue of drinking water, he said that this issue would be resolved under Jal Jeevan Mission. He said that the state government has decided to achieve the target of providing 100% potable water to every household by 2023 as against the national target of 2024.

He said that the PHE department was launching a project to ‘increase drinking water for Paglam area’ and ground work would start soon.

“I promise there will be no drinking water problem in your area for the next 30 years,” Khandu assured.

Upon learning that Paglam’s only secondary school had been destroyed in the floods, Khandu asked the DC to visit the school and submit a proposal to the government. He assured that whatever proposal is made, the government will approve it and provide funds.

“Due to road connectivity, the areas of Dumbok and Bomjir have been removed from the ‘Kalapani’ tag. Now is the time for the Paglam area to remove this tag. We will ensure that,” he said.

Khandu was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, Forest Minister Mama Natung, lawmakers Gum Tayeng, Laisam Simai, Ojing Tasing and Zignu Namchoom, former minister Rodin Pertin and others.