Itanagar: In a significant development for Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Mebo region, MLA Oken Tayeng has asserted that the recent meeting between Oil India Limited officials and Chief Minister Pema Khandu was highly productive, focusing on addressing critical infrastructure needs, particularly the long-pending construction of a bridge over the Taro-Tamak River. The bridge, connecting Namsing and Gadum villages, is expected to significantly improve connectivity for local residents and businesses.
During the discussions, stakeholders emphasized that oil exploration processes require multiple No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and formal approvals, making road and bridge connectivity crucial for development. The Taro-Tamak River, a lifeline for Lower Mebo villages, has long been a source of hardship. Daily commuters still rely on engine ferry boats, making travel both difficult and unsafe. The situation worsened in 2015, when extreme monsoon rains caused the expansion of the Dibang River, merging it with portions of the Taro-Tamak River. This led to widespread devastation, including the washing away of Anpum and Loklung villages in the Paglam Circle of Lower Dibang Valley.
The proposed bridge is expected to bring immense relief to residents of Lower Mebo and Lower Dambuk, while also benefiting neighboring Upper Assam villages, such as Migmang, Masgao, and Omorpur. These regions rely on the Mebo-Dhola road for connectivity to Assam’s Jonai and Dhemaji districts. The half-constructed steel cantilever bridge, currently abandoned in the middle of the river, remains a stark reminder of the untold story of underdevelopment in Lower Mebo.
MLA Tayeng expressed his gratitude to CM Khandu for his commitment to infrastructure development, particularly for prioritizing the Taro-Tamak bridge. “Your guidance and proactive approach in addressing key connectivity issues, especially the construction of the Taro-Tamak bridge, are deeply appreciated. The villages in Lower Mebo, including Mer, Gadum-I, Gadum-II (East Siang District), and Paglam, Banggo, Kaling-I, and Kaling-II (Lower Dibang Valley), have suffered from decades of isolation due to the lack of a proper bridge,” Tayeng stated.
With Oil India Limited and the PWD engaged in discussions, Tayeng expressed optimism that logistical challenges will be overcome to ensure seamless development and connectivity in the region. He further acknowledged CM Khandu’s unwavering support in uplifting Mebo Sub-Division.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the project, praising Oil India’s involvement and specifically acknowledging the contributions of CGM (Frontier Exploration) Arunav Baruah, DGM (Frontier Exploration) Aryama Tiwari, and Liaison Officer Dhananjay Morang. He assured that under MLA Tayeng’s leadership, the state government will continue to facilitate development initiatives, ensuring that long-standing connectivity issues in Lower Mebo are finally addressed.