Four-pronged strategy for infrastructural development in NE

New Delhi, Nov 17 (UNI) The Government has chalked out a four-pronged strategy for the speedy development of infrastructure in the North Eastern region by bringing normalcy, promoting tourism and through economic resurgence, said Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Panchayati Raj Mani Shankar Aiyar.

Addressing newspersons on the conclusion of the two-day 53rd meet of the North Eastern Council (NEC) here last evening, Mr Aiyar said the meet decided to pay prior attention towards speedy networking and development of roads and improving the power sector with commissioning of small, medium and large hydel power stations.

Besides, drastic improvement in its transmission and distribution network, developing inland waterways for better connectivity in the region, developing Railway network and promoting tourism are in the pipeline, he added.

He said it would be a lopsided idea to think of export growth without developing the infrastructure of the region.

Mr Aiyar said as a first step towards developing the road network the Secretaries of all the eight North Eastern states would meet here on first Monday of every month to review the progress of various projects to enable them to take any corrective steps if needed.

Similarly, the second Monday of every month will hold the meet for power sector, the third Monday for the inland waterways and the fourth to discuss other important issues like spreading Railway network, promotin tourism and rejuvenating the dying tea industry of the region.

The Minister said even on a limited scale it is estimated that if these steps could be followed, it would immensely benefit the region.

Steps would also be taken to develop rubber plantation in the region where Tripura has already shown a wonderful performance.

Coffee plantation is similarly another sector which also holds huge potential for its growth in the region.

Mr Aiyar said perhaps horticulture holds the economic boom for the entire region as North East is known for its wide varieties of flowers and fruits.

Responding to a number of questions, Mr Aiyar said the Ministry of External Affairs is considering either opening its branch or deputing some of its official in the region to boost the tourism sector.

To another question, Mr Aiyar said his Ministry has just received a preliminary report on ways to develop the avaition sector in this region. The report is being prepared by the former Civil Aviation Secretary and Governor of Manipur S S Sidhu. This report was discussed during this two-day meet. With some more deliberations, concrete steps in this direction would be possible, he added.

The Minister said a major problem of this region is that a large chunk of almost every state is out of the purview of the district planning body. This is a major reason for the region's slow growth.

The Panchayati Raj misistry is working on a strategy to bring these areas under some sort of district planning body for their speedy development, he added.

UNI DG/BKS MSJ DS1412