Itanagar, Recalling years of economic struggle post-statehood in 1987, with lingering memories of war with China in 1962, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday stressed the state’s hydropower potential to transform it into a progressive state of the country.
Greeting people of the frontier state on the 72nd Independence Day, Khandu said: “Even though our state has a huge potential especially in development of natural resources, we are behind other states.”
“We suffered a lot during 1962 India-China war and the memories of that are still alive. We were given full statehood in 1987, 40 years after independence,” Khandu said, adding that was the major reason for the state’s economic troubles.
“Had our state’s hydropower potential been realised 40 years back, we would have been one of the largest producers of electricity in the country by now,” said the Chief Minister after unfurling the Tricolour.
“We are now moving ahead at a very fast pace and I am sure that in the next five years, our state will transform into one of the most progressive states of the country,” Khandu said.
Noting that his government’s philosophy is inspired by ‘Antyodaya’, an all-inclusive growth where the government reaches out to the last man, Khandu said that during the last one year, the state has witnessed faster change, greater transparency and unprecedented development in all sectors.
“Our government has worked with the spirit of ‘Team Arunachal’ where we have tried to involve everyone. Transparency, integrity and honesty have been the sole mantra in our journey,” the Chief Minister said.
Wishing to make Arunachal Pradesh a tourist destination, the Chief Minister said, “Arunachal sits in the lap of nature, I want to make the state the wellness destination. I want to bring the best health facilities to Arunachal Pradesh.”
