BOLENG, Jan 19: As part of the e-inauguration of 35 infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organization (BRO) including two bridges in Arunachal Pradesh by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Uttarakhand, an inauguration ceremony was conducted simultaneously via video conference at Lebung bridge on Aalo-Yingkiong road in Siang district.
A total of 29 bridges and 6 roads located in border areas of India were dedicated by the Defence Minister to the nation. Out of total 35 projects, five are under Project Brahmank. 11 of these projects have been constructed in J&K, nine in Ladakh, eight in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Uttarakhand, two in Sikkim and one each in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh.
Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao launched Lebung bridge (Km 38.030 Along-Yingkiong road) and Borung bridge (Km 109.060 Ditte-Dime-Migging, DDM road), two of the infrastructure projects inaugurated by the Defence Minister virtually.
The occasion was graced by local MLA Ojing Tasing, Siang Deputy Commissioner P N Thungon, SP Siang Opir Paron, Commanders of 761 Border Roads Task Force, A K Gupta and 44 Task Force, Col B P Tomar, representatives of Army along with BRO officials, Gaon Burahs of Pangin and students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya.
Chief Engineer, Project Brahmank, Ajay Kumar Mishra addressed the dignitaries and apprised the gathering about the projects being inaugurated and the role played by BRO in nation building.
Speaking on the occasion, the MP commended the efforts of the BRO for playing a pivotal role in improving the infrastructure and connectivity resulting in appreciable socio-economic development of remote border districts in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Defence Minister, in his virtual address, announced a ‘Risk and Hardship allowance’ for permanent civilian personnel of BRO that will be at par with the armed forces, as well as an increase in the ex-gratia compensation for casual labourers to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 2 lakh. He also stated that border regions are an integral part of the country and not just buffer zones between nations. For this reason, roads, bridges, and tunnels were essential infrastructures needed to create better connectivity between areas. (DIPRO)