1Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Nov 30: Responding to the charge of the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) that the state government has neglected its demands, government representatives on Thursday came clear on all the issues raised by the Society.
Showing clear support for Chief Minister Pema Khandu, eight Nyishi legislators came out to address the issues raised by the NES with reference to the Nyishi belt.
Speaking on behalf of the government, UD Minister Nabam Rebia said that, as assured by the Chief Minister, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI) was convened, where all the proposals were approved and forwarded for sanction under the SIDF.
Accordingly, he said, allocation of the remaining Rs 3.50 crore for the Nyishi Heritage Village in Hoj, and fund amounting to Rs 5 crore for constructing a bridge over the Kumey River to connect Tali have already been released, with Rs 10 crore sanctioned for constructing a road from the bridge point to Tali.
Speaking on the proposed construction of the 62.5 km road from Itanagar to Seijosa, via Goloso, Rebia said the road is already an all-weather one up to Kampo (Jote) in Papum Pare district, and that work on the 24 km stretch of the road from Kampo to Tapioso is currently ongoing under the NLCPR, at an estimated cost of Rs 43 crore.
Since the portion of the road beyond Tapioso falls under the Election Model Code of Conduct, the minister refrained from making any comment on it.
On the demand for implementation of the Trans-Arunachal Highway project in the Nyishi belt, Rebia informed that the entire stretch of 149.40 km which comes under the Nyishi belt has already been transferred to the MoRTH, on November 24, for construction of a two-lane highway.
Regarding the delay in the construction of the greenfield airport, Rebia informed that the state government has already approved the central technical committee’s recommendation of Hollongi as a feasible site and has communicated its decision to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the DGCA, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
“Following the pursuance of the state government, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry has sent a team of AAI officers, who will carry out a detailed study of all airfields, including the proposed airport at Hollongi, from November 30 to December 5,” he said.
On the demand for a Sainik school in Itanagar, the minister said the state government is in advanced talks for establishing a cantonment in the capital region, 500 acres of land for which has already been identified.
“The cantonment will have referral hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure, which will play a far larger role in developing the area,” Rebia said.
On the NES’ allegation that the CM made abusive remarks against Leader of Opposition, Takam Pario, the legislators clarified that the remark had not been directed directly towards Pario, and has been taken out of context.
IPR Parliamentary Secretary Mama Natung also assured that the government is committed to development, and that all the demands are being processed.
“We as Nyishi legislators are well aware of the needs of the people of our constituencies, and we are all working towards achieving them in a time-bound manner,” he added.
When asked why only Nyishi legislators were speaking on behalf of the government, Rebia said, “The issues raised were confined to the Nyishi belt, and it is pertinent that the Nyishi legislators address them.”
The legislators did not, however, address the matter of the creation of Pakke-Kessang district, saying “it falls under the Election Model Code of Conduct.”
The eight legislators also included Home Minister Kumar Waii, and Parliamentary Secretaries Techi Kaso, Likha Saaya, Tamar Murtem, Karya Bagang, and Tapuk Taku.
