Smart Cities Mission Transforming Urban Development Across India
Khandu described the transformation of Pasighat, the state’s oldest town, as an important example of development across Arunachal Pradesh. Pasighat received Smart City status in June 2017 following sustained efforts by the state government. Arunachal Pradesh is the only Northeastern state with two Smart Cities, Pasighat and Itanagar, he said, while thanking the Union government and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for supporting the proposal.
Of the 43 projects taken up under the Pasighat mission, 42 have been completed, according to the Chief Minister. The remaining Sewage Treatment Plant is expected to be completed soon. Khandu said the new infrastructure should create better opportunities and improve quality of life, while urging residents to take responsibility for maintaining public assets.
He said the next phase of development must focus on young people by creating sustainable livelihoods for educated youth and rural communities. Khandu called for innovative initiatives by legislators, councillors and panchayat representatives, and said Siang’s tourism potential could be developed through its riverfront, improved roads and stronger communication infrastructure. He also suggested exploring mobile restaurants and similar concepts to generate employment.
The projects received Rs. 4.9 bn from the Union government, Rs. 517.7 mn from the state government and Rs. 39.4 mn through convergence funding. Khandu urged officials to combine government schemes strategically to create infrastructure and jobs, rather than treating convergence as a simple addition of resources. He also identified agriculture, horticulture and other sectors as opportunities for youth entrepreneurship, and said the state had begun planning for a developed Arunachal Pradesh by 2047 in consultation with stakeholders.