Upcoming Budget could give special momentum to connectivity and hydropower in Arunachal: CM

Aadil Mir, DELHI, Jun 9: Stressing upon the Union Ministry of Finance to give “special” impetus to connectivity as well as development of hydropower in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki described these two as most important sectors in the State, which are yet to be fully developed.

While attending the pre-Budget discussion conducted by the Union Finance Ministry under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Tuki drew attention of the Ministry towards the under-construction 1556Km Trans-Arunachal Highway. He requested the Ministry for ample funds provision in the Budget for timely completion of crucial strategic roads in the State. He also sought funding to complete the Greenfield Airport in the State capital for which the AAI is preparing the DPR.

While addressing “poor” telecommunication in the State, the Chief Minister said, “Since Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest tele-density in the country, a mission mode project for having 100% mobile connectivity in the state may be taken up in this budget, which will have far reaching benefits.”

He also mentioned and highlighted the significance of development of border areas, which he explained are tied in a vicious cycle of poverty, unemployment, under-development and remoteness.

Drawing attention of the Union Finance Minister towards the State’s resources in hydropower and tourism, CM said hydropower potential of the State can cater to 40% of the energy needs of the nation, if harnessed properly. However, due to constraints like the inability of the State govt. to contribute to the State equity in projects where the State Share ranges from 11-26%, many of the projects have been stuck in advanced stages. He requested provisions in line with the pre-budget consultation on macroeconomic policies in the ensuing Budget.

He further added that the State was being deprived of accelerated economic growth due to the large forest cover of 82%, which is the highest in the country. He said that as these forests play a major role in carbon sink and help in mitigating global warming, Arunachal forests absorb about 1470 million tons of carbon di-oxide which when monetized – as estimated by IPCC – amounts to Rs 88200 crore.

“With such vital economic service provided to our nation, it is imperative that the State be sufficiently compensated for this impediment by providing special fund,”

While congratulating Jaitley and Sitharaman on assumption of offices as the Finance Minister and Minister of State for Finance respectively, Tuki urged them to view Arunachal Pradesh from the prism of its natural uniqueness of Low Resource Base coupled with its sparse population spread across the State.

He observed that as Arunachal has flawless emotional integration with India and takes pride in patriotism, all proposals made by the State govt. should coincide with national priorities and therefore an intelligent mechanism must be evolved in dovetailing these priorities in the larger interest of the nation.

Source: 'Themetrolive'