SIJI (Lower Siang), Feb 6: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday laid the foundation stone of the permanent headquarters of Lower Siang district at Siji, describing the occasion as a historic milestone after more than a decade-long journey marked by administrative and developmental challenges.
Addressing a large gathering in the presence of Ministers, MLAs, senior officers, Panchayat leaders and community representatives, the Chief Minister recalled that although Lower Siang district was created in 2013, progress remained stalled for years due to prolonged issues related to district boundaries, finalisation of the headquarters and infrastructure delays.
“From 2013 till today, nearly 13 years have passed. Unfortunately, Lower Siang faced more problems than development during this period. Today’s programme marks a turning point,” Khandu said.
The Chief Minister appreciated the role of the local area committee and elected representatives for placing the historical background and chronology of the headquarters issue on record, stating that the people themselves best understand the journey and challenges faced.
He also expressed gratitude to local land donors who voluntarily parted with their agricultural land for the development of the district headquarters, calling it a major contribution to the future of Lower Siang.
Highlighting disparities in development, Khandu noted that several districts created after Lower Siang had progressed faster, with their administrative infrastructure already functional. He urged the people to move beyond internal differences related to the headquarters issue.
“We must stop creating issues among ourselves. Now is the time to work together and take Lower Siang forward,” he said.
Reiterating that the decision to establish Siji as the permanent headquarters had been finalised through constitutional and legislative processes in 2022, the Chief Minister stressed the need for coordination and collective effort to accelerate development.
Road connectivity, he said, remains the top priority, particularly the proposed Siji-Koyu road via Sikirima under the Nari-Koyu Assembly Constituency. He informed that alignment and DPR exercises have been completed and assured that the project would be taken up on priority.
Khandu also emphasized strict adherence to the approved master plan for Siji headquarters, cautioning against unplanned construction. He assured that more projects would be sanctioned in the coming years to complete essential district-level infrastructure.
On grassroots governance, the Chief Minister underlined the crucial role of Panchayati Raj institutions and urged newly elected Panchayat leaders to actively study Govt policies and schemes instead of relying solely on elected representatives. He highlighted recent training programmes for Panchayat members and reiterated the Govt’s commitment to strengthening local self-governance without political interference.
Reaffirming the State Govt’s commitment to inclusive growth, he said Arunachal Pradesh is witnessing large-scale infrastructure development across all regions and assured that Lower Siang would receive its due share.
“Development is a continuous process. What we need is unity, planning, quality execution and strong political will,” he said.
Regarding Sikirima—projected as the headquarters by a section of people, the Chief Minister assured that he would soon visit the area and explore major infrastructure initiatives for its development. He added that completion of the Siji-Koyu road via Sikirima would significantly improve communication between the Nari-Koyu Assembly segment and Siji. He further assured that the inter-state boundary issue along the Arunachal-Assam border, particularly concerning the Ramle Banggo area, would be taken up on priority.
It may be noted that the decision to establish Siji as the permanent headquarters followed a long administrative and consultative process under the Arunachal Pradesh (Re-organisation of Districts) Act, 2013. The State Cabinet approved Siji as the headquarters on February 23, 2022, and the decision was subsequently endorsed by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly through a legislative amendment.
The headquarters site at Siji spans over 322 hectares of land voluntarily donated free of cost by local landowners. The location offers ample plain land for systematic development, assured water availability from perennial sources, and proximity to the Likabali-Aalo National Highway, ensuring long-term connectivity.
All statutory and environmental procedures have been followed, with forest diversion proposals processed through the Parivesh Portal of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. In-principle forest clearance has been accorded, and the State Govt has deposited the required Compensatory Afforestation and Net Present Value amounts.
The National Green Tribunal, while issuing interim directions in earlier cases, has observed that establishment of a district headquarters falls within the administrative domain of the State Govt, subject to statutory compliance. Another application challenging the decision was dismissed as misconceived.
The Chief Minister reiterated that development of the district HQs would not be at the cost of other areas, assuring balanced and inclusive growth across all circles and villages of Lower Siang.
During the programme, foundation stones were laid for nine projects and seven completed projects were inaugurated, involving investments of several crores of rupees. Inaugurated projects included 12 Type-II residential quarters for fire and emergency staff, Kardu Taipodia Triple Court Indoor Badminton Stadium, Police Station, Guard Room, Sentry Post and Garage, One Stop Centre, and drinking water supply projects at Likabali, Gensi and Sile.
Foundation stones were laid for a Mini Secretariat, RCC bridge over Siji River, road connectivity from Likabali-Aalo highway to Siji, Govt Secondary School at Dipa, accommodation for officers and staff, a Rest House for patients and the shelterless, Fire Station, Type-V staff quarters, and a new Police Station at Pale.