ITANAGAR, Sept 9: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday said the State had recorded significant economic and infrastructure growth over the past decade, with its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rising by nearly 149% and annual road construction increasing six-fold.
Addressing the concluding day of a special session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in the presence of Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, Khandu said the State’s GSDP had increased from around ₹20,373 crore in 2016 to more than ₹50,651 crore. The State budget had grown by over 238%, while per capita income had more than doubled, he added.
Khandu said the State’s own resources had increased more than five-and-a-half times, while annual road construction had risen from around 300 km to 1,800 km. The rural road network had expanded from 4,131 km to nearly 14,000 km and the national highway network from 1,043 km to 2,538 km.
Another 4,060 km of roads were at various stages of construction, he said, adding that improved road, rail, air and digital connectivity was opening new opportunities for the people.
He highlighted the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Sela Tunnel, Donyi Polo Airport, advanced landing grounds and Frontier Highway as landmark infrastructure projects contributing to the State’s development.
Khandu credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the Centre’s continued focus on the Northeast for the progress. He said Arunachal Pradesh had significant potential in hydropower, tourism, agriculture and horticulture.
Stressing the need to balance development with environmental protection, Khandu said forests, rivers and mountains remained integral to the State’s identity. He also emphasised preserving indigenous culture and said 21 products from Arunachal Pradesh had received Geographical Indication tags.
The Chief Minister said the government was also focusing on quality education, skill development and opportunities for young people in sports, entrepreneurship, innovation, creative industries and public service.
