Ziro, Feb 9: A meeting of the District Level Committee (Municipal Boundary) was held on Monday at the District Secretariat here under the chairmanship of Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme to discuss the demarcation of the proposed Ziro Municipal Council area.
Briefing members, the Deputy Commissioner informed that the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh has declared three municipal areas in the state—Ziro, Aalo, and Namsai—in the larger public interest. She clarified that the declaration of a municipal area would not affect the functioning of existing Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
Addressing the meeting, Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa stated that the declaration of Ziro as a municipal area was a long-pending demand of the people of the valley and the outcome of collective efforts by all stakeholders. He urged participants to provide constructive suggestions and cautioned against missing the opportunity. He further informed that the proposed demarcation would affect only four villages—Bamin Michi, Hija, Lempia and Manipolyang, and appealed to the concerned Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) to offer practical solutions along with any objections.
Assistant Town Planner Millo Mira made a detailed presentation on financial implications, mapping issues, population criteria, number of proposed wards, preparation of voter lists, and the powers and functions of Urban Local Bodies. She explained that both natural features such as rivers and man-made features like roads are considered during boundary demarcation and briefed the house on the progress of work undertaken so far.
Lempia ZPM Rubu Tadii informed that 12 out of 24 Gram Panchayat segments under his jurisdiction would be affected but stated that the people of Lempia were willing to join the municipal area. He also requested the inclusion of Dilang village, citing its proximity to the airport and market area.
Former Minister Tage Taki urged all stakeholders to support the initiative, stating that the creation of the municipal area would aid the overall development of Ziro Valley. He observed that villages in the valley are expanding due to increasing urban amenities and stressed the need for careful boundary demarcation.
Akhangmiyo ZPM Hibu Obing expressed concern over discrepancies between earlier and current municipal maps and emphasised the need for ground surveys involving officials and villagers. Similarly, Bamin Michi Welfare Association general secretary Racho Tachang welcomed the decision but sought clarity on the areas mentioned in the committee report, suggesting ground verification.
ZPC Hibu Dumi stressed the importance of public awareness on the benefits of a municipal area and urged people to consider the long-term developmental gains despite apprehensions regarding service charges.
DPDO Hage Tarung, along with other heads of departments and ZPMs, also shared valuable inputs.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment towards proper mapping, ground marking of boundaries, fulfilment of qualifying criteria, and submission of representations by aggrieved parties to the Deputy Commissioner for consideration. (DIPRO)