Infrastructure push, cultural preservation take centre stage at Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day celebrations

Focusing on future-ready infrastructure and preservation of indigenous identity, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday, February 20, outlined key developmental priorities for Arunachal Pradesh during the 40th Statehood Day celebrations held in Itanagar.

 

Addressing the gathering after Governor K. T. Parnaik unfurled the National Flag, Khandu announced that a university dedicated to safeguarding indigenous culture and languages is in the pipeline at Roing. The proposed institution aims to promote and protect the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the state’s tribal communities.

 

Highlighting connectivity as a catalyst for economic growth, the Chief Minister said the proposed 1,800-km Frontier Highway project will significantly improve communication across remote regions of the state. He added that strategic infrastructure such as the Bogibeel Bridge and Bhupen Hazarika Setu have already brought Arunachal Pradesh closer to the rest of the country by enhancing accessibility.

 

Khandu also welcomed the proposed Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, noting that it would open new avenues for local entrepreneurs and boost trade prospects from the state.

 

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Underscoring Arunachal’s economic potential, he said the state possesses abundant natural resources, including graphite and uranium, and informed that further exploration activities are underway to tap these reserves.

 

The celebration also featured exhibitions by various departments showcasing development initiatives, alongside cultural performances reflecting the state’s diverse heritage.

 

Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th state of the Indian Union on February 20, 1987, after previously being administered as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and later as a Union Territory from 1972.