Khandu Promises To Tackle Paglam Floods

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday assured the people of flood-affected Paglam, in Lower Dibang Valley district, that an expert technical team would be immediately sent to study and propose a holistic development plan for the area.

Khandu said that the team would be sent immediately after the completion of the ensuing Budget Session, beginning on March 11 next.

He said that the Government would immediately sanction the proposal put by the technical team.

The Paglam area is adversely affected every year as it is prone to flooding by the river Siang as well as three of its other tributaries.

Attending the Ali-Aye-Ligang festival of the Mishing community at Paglam, Khandu said that construction of only a bridge and a road would not be enough for over-all development of the area, which has been literally deprived for years, a CMO communiqué informed here.

He directed the Deputy Commissioner to provide all Government schemes and welfare measures under the State and Central Government flagship programmes to the ten villages of the Paglam area through the Sarkar Aapke Dwar (Government at your doorsteps) or any other available programme.

Responding to a memorandum submitted by local legislator Gum Tayeng, the Chief Minister said that the State Government would plan a holistic development programme for the area which would include every sector.

On the drinking water problem, he said that the issue would be resolved under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Khandu informed that the State Government has decided to achieve the target of hundred per cent potable tap water supply to each household by 2023, against the national target of 2024.

He said that the PHE department is undertaking the project 'augmentation drinking water for Paglam area' and soon groundwork would start.

"I promise that there won't be any drinking water problem in your area for the next 30 years," Khandu assured.

On being informed that the lone secondary school of Paglam has been destroyed in the floods, Khandu asked the DC to visit the school and submit a proposal to the Government. He assured that whatever is proposed, the Government would approve and provide funds.

The Chief Minister further informed that new alignment is being proposed for power supply to the area, as the earlier line was washed away by floods. He assured as soon as the alignment is complete electric poles would be erected and power supply will begin.

"Due to road connectivity, Dambuk and Bomjir areas have evolved from the 'Kalapani' tag. Now it is time for Paglam area to shrug off this tag. We will ensure it," he said.

Khandu was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, Forest Minister Mama Natung, legislators Gum Tayeng, Laisam Simai, Ojing Tasing and Zignu Namchoom, former minister Rodin Pertin, DC, SP of Lower Dibang Valley and others, the communiqué added.

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