Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Lieutenant Governor K T Parnaik (Retd.) underscored the urgent need for planned urbanization in the North-Eastern states, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, during the inaugural address of the East Zone Conference of the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) held in Itanagar on December 7.
The Governor highlighted the challenges faced by urban settlements in the state, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient parking, and a dearth of public spaces. He emphasized the importance of regional planning to ensure balanced growth and efficient resource allocation across the state’s diverse regions.
Recognizing the unique challenges of the North-East, such as its vast forest cover, limited habitable land, and susceptibility to natural disasters, Parnaik called for sustainable development that preserves the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
He also urged the ITPI to support the state through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the adoption of modern planning tools like GIS and AI.
The Governor proposed the development of smart model villages using compensation funds from hydropower projects, aiming to create sustainable communities that blend traditional aesthetics with modern amenities.
The conference witnessed participation from town planners and urban development professionals from nine states, particularly from the North-Eastern region.
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