Itanagar/IBNS: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Kundu placed significant emphasis on the development of border areas by enhancing connectivity and communication and bolstering agricultural activities.

"With half of the area and one-third of Arunachal Pradesh’s population living in border blocks, the state government has placed tremendous focus on development of border areas through such interventions,” stated the CM to PTI during a visit to this village situated on the border with China.

As a result of these efforts, there are early indications of a reversal in migration trends.

The villages located in remote border areas have faced numerous difficulties such as rugged terrain, limited resources, inadequate infrastructure and poor connectivity, leading people to migrate to more developed areas over several decades, stated EastMojo.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has launched various key initiatives aimed at promoting overall development of the border areas, including the development of model village clusters, enhancing connectivity, boosting the agriculture sector through schemes such as 'Atmanirbhar' and 'Mission Krishi Veer,' which involve aggregating fresh fruits and vegetables for supply to the armed forces.

Furthermore, Khandu stated that the utilization of space technology and drones to facilitate the development of border areas, as well as collaboration with voluntary organizations, are also being actively pursued.

“These efforts of the Arunachal Pradesh government, with active help of the central government, have seen good results, and in some pockets, we have witnessed early signs of reverse migration,” he stated further.

The total length of the international border in Arunachal Pradesh is 1,863 km, which is the longest among all Indian states. Out of this, the state shares a border of 1,126 km with Tibet.

“Lack of development and infrastructural bottleneck have led to significant out-migration of the population from border villages to the foothills. Fortunately, things are changing now with our special care,” said Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein to EastMojo.

The Vibrant Village Programme, recently launched by the central government, aims to enhance the vibrancy of 455 border villages in Arunachal Pradesh.

The programme seeks to achieve this through various measures such as boosting income-generating activities, improving connectivity, and enhancing social infrastructure.

Additionally, the Arunachal Pradesh government has initiated the Golden Jubilee Border Village Illumination Programme, which involves the development of 50 micro, mini, and small hydropower projects with a capacity of 10-100 Kilowatt (KW) at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore.

The deputy chief minister stated that 17 projects are currently under construction in 11 districts, and they will benefit 10,185 individuals in 123 border villages.

Mein added that these 17 ongoing projects will also electrify 15 establishments belonging to the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and Border Roads Organisation.

This will benefit around 1,800 personnel stationed in these establishments.