Infrastructure being built in Arunachal along international borders

The Arunachal Pradesh government has implemented various infrastructure development programs in the northeastern state's border regions with China, Bhutan, and Myanmar, according to Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. The deputy chief minister noted that infrastructure had been developed in 65 model villages under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP). Mein stated this in response to Congress MLA Ninong Ering's question about the state government's steps to address China's construction activities along the international border with India. Mein further said that four new Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKVs) and four existing schools had been upgraded under BADP, costing an estimated INR 800 million. He also mentioned that eight model schools had been established in the border area during 2017-18. The deputy chief minister added that to address infrastructure gaps at the border, development projects like road connectivity, foot suspension bridges, health facilities, drinking water, and electricity facilities had been provided through the normal allocation of BADP funds and from the state's fund. Moreover, the Centre had sanctioned the ambitious Frontier Highway, connecting all the border areas of the state from East to West, at an estimated cost of INR 440,00 million. The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), launched by the Centre in September 2021 with a financial allocation of INR 480,00 million aims at the comprehensive development of villages in border areas to improve the quality of life of people. This, in turn, would help in encouraging people to stay in their native locations in border areas and reversing migration. The VVP will provide funds for the development of essential infrastructure and the creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 districts and 46 border blocks in four states and one union territory along the border of the country. In addition, Mein stated that the state government would provide top-up funds in the vibrant village programme along with executing standalone power projects in border areas of the state.