Prioritise projects for 11th Five Year Plan

Itanagar, Sep 29 (UNI) A high-level inter-ministerial team headed by Planning Commission advisor (state plan-North East) A N P Sinha exhorted the state government to prioritise various developmental projects for the Eleventh Five Year Plan (EPY 2007-2012) to give the right direction to the state's planning process.

Following a directive from the Prime Minister's Office, the team arrived here yesterday afternoon on its second leg of tour to the entire North-East, according to official sources.

Initiating the discussion with the central team here yesterday, state Chief Secretary Tabom Bam, pleaded for taking up the East-West Highway through Arunachal Pradesh for facilitating intra and inter-district communication, construction of Green field Airport at Karsingsa, besides one at Pasighat and improvement of existing airports, construction of civil secretariat here.

Stressing the need for exploitation of vast hydropower potentials, the chief secretary requested for one time grant as equity participation of the state for executing seven mega power projects. He also highlighted the need for establishment of law, engineer and commerce colleges to improve scopes for higher education.

Construction of railway line would serve as a boon to this land-locked state, he said and advocated to take up cost effective 46 km Itanagar-Harmuti line and 16 km Morkongselek-Oyan line, early completion of Bogibil rail-cum-road bridge and introduction of Itanagar-Guwahati direct train service.

As health is a priority sector, Bam stressed for early upgradation of General Hospital, Naharlogun to a 250-bed hospital to meet the pressing need of the state.

On border trade, Bam pointed out Arunachal had traditional trade relations with the neighbouring countries, which should be revived for speedy economic development of the state.

Urging help of the Centre for development of state tourism sector, the secretary pointed out that this bordering state might be a major tourist destination as it has snow-clad mountain, lass green vegetation, perennial streams but lack of infrastructures were the main hindrance.

In his response, Sinha informed that allocation for each destination development under tourism sector has been increased for rupees five crore to Rs 25 crore and per tourist circuit allocation has been hiked from Rs eight crore to Rs 50 crore. However, he directed the state government to submit the detailed project reports soon to facilitate their inclusion in EFY plan.

Responding to sector-wise matter Sinha called for timely submission of DPRs and assured to pursue all issues with union DoNER minister for rapid development of state, sources added.

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