Arunachal Deputy CM seeks 'Green Bonus' for forest conservation at Finance Commission meet

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, today April 8 outlined the state’s key developmental priorities during a meeting with the members of the 16th Finance Commission held at the Chief Minister’s Office, Niti Vihar, Itanagar.

In his address, Mein emphasized the State’s vast ecological wealth, particularly its extensive forest cover that spans approximately 79% of its land area. He urged the Commission to consider the environmental contributions of Arunachal Pradesh by recommending a "Green Bonus" to compensate for the state’s significant role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.

Drawing attention to the State's susceptibility to natural calamities such as floods, landslides, and climate-induced challenges, Mein advocated for increased allocations toward climate-resilient infrastructure, robust disaster management systems, and the rejuvenation of rural water sources, including the restoration of drying springs.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the logistical and financial challenges posed by Arunachal Pradesh’s mountainous terrain, which leads to elevated costs in infrastructure development. He called for a revision of the Cost Disability Index to ensure more equitable resource allocation under the Finance Commission’s formula.

Underscoring the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh — which shares over 1,800 km of international borders with China (Tibet), Myanmar, and Bhutan — Mein proposed the creation of Model Border Villages. These villages, he noted, should be equipped with essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, healthcare, and education facilities to promote balanced border development and national security.

On the economic development front, Mein pressed for enhanced investments in agriculture and allied sectors, citing opportunities for multi-cropping, advanced irrigation techniques, and the development of value chains in horticulture. He also advocated for support in unlocking Arunachal’s hydropower potential, which exceeds 58,000 MW, positioning it as a critical contributor to India’s energy future.

The Deputy Chief Minister also appealed for a fair assessment of the state’s unique geographical and demographic characteristics — including low population density and high development costs — in the financial devolution framework to ensure equity in funding.

Reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to the national goal of a $5 trillion economy, Mein expressed optimism that with adequate support from the 16th Finance Commission, the state could emerge as a model of green growth, resilience, and development in India’s eastern frontier.