After 78 years of independence, Arunachal’s Wakhetna village still awaits basic development

Even after 78 years of India’s Independence, the historic Singpho Wakhetna village under the 49 Bordumsa–Diyun constituency in Arunachal Pradesh remains untouched by development.

Although Arunachal Pradesh is often projected as progressing rapidly among the northeastern states, Wakhetna — located just 7 km from Bordumsa town in Changlang district — continues to lag far behind. The village, established in 1953, is home to a Buddhist monastery over 70 years old, and it also houses India’s only pagoda designed by artisans from Myanmar.

Yet, despite its cultural significance, the village lacks even the most basic facilities. There is no pucca (all-weather) road, no high school, no Jal Jeevan Mission water supply or drinking water source, no healthcare centre, and no proper telecommunication network.

The chief monk of the Sumangala Buddhist Vihara told journalists that although many domestic and international visitors come to the monastery, the institution faces several hardships due to the absence of essential infrastructure. He appealed to the Arunachal Pradesh government and the local MLA to build a guest house (atithishala) and a study room for monks and shramanas.

Despite a BJP government at both the Centre and in the state, the 49 Bordumsa–Diyun constituency has witnessed no substantial development. Wakhetna village has a 100% literacy rate, and residents are educated, yet the community remains entirely dependent on agriculture — primarily areca nut (betel nut) and tea cultivation.

Locals allege that the region continues to be neglected due to political vested interests, leaving it far behind even in the 21st century. They say the district administration and the BJP-led governments have turned a blind eye, maintaining the appearance that everything is normal.

With panchayat elections in Arunachal Pradesh scheduled to begin on December 15, villagers say that many such elections have come and gone, but Wakhetna remains in darkness.