Itanagar: In a significant move towards bolstering development in the frontier region, 66 villages nestled along the Indo-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh have been handpicked for upliftment under the Centre’s ambitious Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). Chief Minister Pema Khandu shared this crucial update, underscoring the government’s commitment to these remote communities.
These identified villages are strategically located across the state’s Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, as confirmed by Chief Minister Khandu in a social media post. Of the total, Changlang district accounts for the lion’s share with 42 villages, followed by Longding with 13, and Tirap with 11.
Terming the initiative as a crucial ‘last-mile development’ effort, Khandu emphasised that the programme’s focus would be multi-faceted, encompassing vital sectors such as road infrastructure, telecom connectivity, electricity, livelihood generation, and skill development for the residents. This holistic approach aims to address the varied needs of these border communities.
According to the 2011 census data, Wakka village in Longding district stands out with the highest population among the selected villages, boasting over 2,000 residents. It is closely followed by Gandhigram in Changlang with 1,754 people and Khanu in Longding with 1,629. Conversely, the least populated villages, all from Changlang district, include Old Potuk (41 residents), Gaherigram (57), and Lungtung (71).
In Tirap district, the villages slated for development are Old Bunting, Sanliam, Raho, Lazu, Noglo, Upper Chinhan, Lower Chinhan, Tutnyu, Lonyen, New Kothung, and Nogna. Longding district’s identified villages include Wakka, Khanu, Chongkhow, Chop, Khogla, Kampong, Jagan, Khasa, Konnu, Konsa, Lower Pongchau, Pongchau, Pongchau HQ, and Votnu. Meanwhile, Changlang district sees 42 villages identified across seven blocks: Khagam-Miao, Kantang, Khimiyong, Manmao, Nampong, Yatdam, and Vijoynagar.
Officials involved with the programme stated that the VVP is designed to bridge existing gaps in crucial areas such as livelihood opportunities, infrastructure, tourism potential, skill development, and connectivity, including robust roads, reliable telecom services, adequate housing, and the promotion of renewable energy solutions. The overarching goal is to incentivise residents to remain in their ancestral border villages, thereby strengthening the demographic presence along the nation’s periphery.
It is noteworthy that in the initial phase of the Vibrant Village Programme, approved by the Centre on February 15, 2023, 455 villages situated along the Indo-Bhutan and Indo-Tibet borders were included. Of these, a significant 135 villages previously lacked proper connectivity, highlighting the programme’s emphasis on integrating remote areas into the national mainstream.
Read More: PMO Director Assesses Khelo India Impact in Arunachal Pradesh