Itanagar, Feb 9: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday inaugurated the Tsari Taksing Gajang Shedup Dargeyling Monastery at Taksing, a remote border village in Upper Subansiri district abutting the Tibet–China region, and reiterated the State Government’s commitment to accelerating development, connectivity and livelihood opportunities in frontier areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing a large gathering, the Chief Minister termed the occasion historic, noting that such a massive public congregation was being witnessed for the first time in Taksing’s history. He commended the Nah Welfare Society, local leaders and the district administration for successfully organising the programme despite the logistical challenges posed by the area’s remoteness.
Khandu informed that more than 40 developmental initiatives, including inaugurations and foundation stone laying, were undertaken during the visit in the Nacho Assembly constituency, reflecting the rapid pace of infrastructure growth in the district. He attributed the transformation witnessed across Arunachal Pradesh over the past decade to collective efforts of the State Government, elected representatives, officials and central agencies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlighting connectivity as the backbone of development, the Chief Minister recalled that Taksing was once accessible only by helicopter due to the absence of road connectivity. He said the area was connected by road in 2019 after sustained coordination with the Government of India and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), marking the beginning of socio-economic transformation.
Referring to the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Khandu said the nearly 1,800-km-long corridor, stretching from Tawang to Longding, has significantly reduced travel time and improved access to district headquarters across the State. He also spoke about the upcoming Frontier Highway, a strategic border road project, informing that tendering is underway for multiple stretches, including Sarli–Taliha and Taliha–Tato segments in Upper Subansiri district.
Emphasising zero tolerance towards corruption, the Chief Minister warned that delays or irregularities in land compensation and project execution would not be tolerated, stating that strict action had already been taken in certain stretches of the Trans-Arunachal Highway to ensure accountability.
On border area development, Khandu highlighted the impact of the Vibrant Villages Programme, launched from Arunachal Pradesh in 2021, which has improved connectivity, livelihoods and basic infrastructure in frontier regions. He stressed the importance of coordination between the civil administration, the Indian Army and the ITBP for sustainable development in border villages.
Announcing plans to develop Taksing as a tourism circuit, the Chief Minister said the area holds immense historical and religious significance in Buddhism, being associated with the ancient Tsari (Rong Kora) pilgrimage. He informed that efforts are underway, in consultation with the Army and the Govt of India, to revive the pilgrimage in a regulated manner.
Touching upon the State’s hydropower potential, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as the country’s leading hydropower hub, with nearly 19,000 MW under various stages of development. He urged local communities to support hydropower projects, highlighting benefits such as employment, compensation and the newly announced policy of 1 per cent revenue sharing through DBT to affected families.
The Chief Minister assured that issues raised in a six-point memorandum submitted by the Nah Welfare Society, including road connectivity, water supply and tourism infrastructure, would be examined and addressed through a dedicated project for Taksing and Kodoka areas.
Reiterating the government’s grassroots governance approach, Khandu said initiatives like Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar, and Cabinet Aapke Dwar have benefited over 15 lakh people so far, and announced that a Cabinet Aapke Dwar meeting would also be held at Taksing once basic infrastructure improves.
Calling upon newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives to play a proactive role, the Chief Minister emphasised transparency, convergence of schemes and people-centric planning, expressing confidence that Upper Subansiri district will emerge as a model of development, tourism and border area resilience in the coming years.