Separation of judiciary from executive on anvil: Apang

Itanagar, Aug 15: Arunachal Pradesh, the only state in India where separation of judiciary from executive is yet to be made, is all set to get an independent judiciary system soon.

This was announced by state Chief Minister Gegong Apang while unfurling the national tri-colour at Indira Gandhi Park here today on the occasion of 60th Independence Day.

In this regard, the chief minister said, five session courts would be set up at Bomdila, Yupia, Along, Tezu and Changlang for providing proper justice to the people.

While outlining the priority areas for the development of the state, the chief minister informed that his government had decided to set up the Arunachal Pradesh State Water Resources Regulatory Authority to protect the fast depleting clean water sources. ''Arunachal Pradesh would be the second state in the country to have such a water authority'', he said adding, supply of potable drinking water for providing safe drinking water to the population would be the priority area of the state government.

The state government has taken a revolutionary step to declare Arunachal as an organic state and would continue to support all programmes in agriculture and allied sectors, particularly animal husbandry, horticulture and fisheries, Mr. Apang stated.

''We propose to have a programme to identify and collect samples of indigenous fruits and vegetables so that their nutrition values can be tested in laboratories to facilitate their commercial exploitation'', he added.

On the infrastructure development of the state, the chief minister in his speech mentioned that the Centre had cleared seven strategic road projects under the SARDP (NE) scheme and the construction work would start immediately after the funds were released. ''The state is going to benefit from three major central schemes namely the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for small and medium towns and the Integrated Housing for Slum development Programme,'' he said and added that the survey work under the JNNURM had already been started by a highly reputed consultant.

Stating that the state government has attached top priority for development of tourism in the state through efforts to develop every segments of tourism industry, the chief minister said that the government was planning to create a pool of trained manpower in the state to manage the industry.

''My vision is to achieve cent per cent literacy and to make the state free from diseases and wants. I want a self-reliant and economically most radiant and vibrant state, which will be envy for the neighbours and pride for the people'', Mr. Apang said.

The celebration marked with March Past by various contingents of the police and para military forces besides school children. Cultural items and games and sports were other highlights of the day.

Musical tributes were paid to the freedom fighters, who laid down their lives for the country's freedom 59 years ago, by six renowned singers from the state through their melodious numbers.

Altogether two government officials were awarded with gold medal for their meritorious services, while four got silver medals and 14 commendation certificates on the occasion.

UNI