Khandu pledges unprecedented development for Siang district, announces Rs 66 crore projects

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 27, 2025

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday assured the people of Siang district, particularly those in the Rumgong assembly constituency, of significant development in the coming years.

Addressing the Hiyom Banggo Unying Giidi festival, Khandu acknowledged the long-standing underdevelopment of the Rumgong region and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to bridging the gap. He identified road connectivity as the primary concern and assured that all unconnected villages in the assembly segment would be linked within the next few years.

To kickstart this initiative, Khandu announced four major road projects under PMGSY-IV in Payum Circle, which will enhance connectivity across several villages. These include BRO Road to Gate (47 km): Connecting Dupu, Yio, Payum, Gacheng, and Gate villages, Payum to Gaming Road (8 km), BRO Road to Meying (Bogu) (13 km) and BRO Road to Sirum via Tuying (11 km).

As a festival gift to the people, the Chief Minister sanctioned Rs 66 crore for infrastructure projects, including multiple roads, two circuit houses, a new school building with staff quarters for Pessing Govt HS School, and an ADC Office building in Rumgong.

Khandu also highlighted the region’s potential in agriculture and horticulture, announcing plans for a Fruit Farm to support local farmers with value addition and market access. Encouraging entrepreneurship among youth, he urged them to leverage state schemes like the Entrepreneurship Development Programme and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Swavlamban Yojana to create self-sustaining businesses.

“Government jobs are limited, but opportunities in entrepreneurship are vast. Our youth should become job creators rather than job seekers,” Khandu emphasized.

Discussing major connectivity projects, he assured that once the Trans-Arunachal Highway from Kaying to Mechuka is completed, Rumgong will be better integrated with the rest of the state. Additionally, the 2,500 km Frontier Highway is set to transform the upper belts of Arunachal Pradesh, boosting tourism and agriculture.

Responding to a five-point memorandum submitted by local legislator Talem Taboh, Khandu promised swift action on all demands.

Attending the Unying Giidi festival for the first time, Khandu expressed regret for his brief visit but assured he would return next time with more time to fully experience the celebrations.

Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao accompanied him at the event, reinforcing the state government’s dedication to the region’s progress.