Rajkhowa urges NEC to focus on connectivity in border areas

Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa today urged the North Eastern Council (NEC) to focus on connectivity, communication facilities, environment, defence and border area development in the state.
Addressing the 65th Plenary of NEC at Shillong chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajkhowa highlighted other areas which needed attention and consideration of NEC including tourism development, exploration of minerals, education, health, Human Resource and Skill Development, an official release said.
He called for special focus on agriculture and horticulture sectors of the state.
Stating that Arunachal Pradesh has lagged behind on most socio-economic indicators and developmental parameters as compared to the rest of the country, the Governor said the state needs continued assistance and support of the Centre and the NEC.

Drawing the attention of the Prime Minister towards the challenges of the state government, Rajkhowa said for the socio-economic development of the state as also the success of the Act East Policy, it would be necessary to improve the road connectivity of the state with the rest of India and also to improve the connectivity within the state, the release said.
He said for improving road connectivity within the state along international border areas, there was need for a Frontier Highway connecting all important centres along the Indo-China border.

The Governor requested the PM to expedite sanction of the project which was presently under consideration of the cabinet secretariat.

Rajkhowa requested the PM for expediting work on the railway lines from Bhalukpong to Tawang and Murkongselek in Assam to Pasighat and railway links to all foothill towns and clusters along the Assam-Arunachal border for overall development of the region, the release said.
Welcoming the DoNER Ministry initiative to start commercial helicopter service within the North East Region to improve intra-regional connectivity, the Governor called for concretization of the initiative under a time-frame.
He also requested for intervention of the Prime Minister to resolve the impasse on the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Project by addressing the unresolved issues raised by NGOs in Assam, in an amicable manner, the release added.