Itanagar: Union Minister Manohar Lal visited Arunachal Pradesh from 8-9 July to review the implementation of urban missions in the region. He reviewed ongoing schemes and proposals in the power and urban development sectors with the centre for Arunachal Pradesh and other Northeastern states on July 9.
The Urban Development Department showcased its achievements and the status of flagship schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The State Government requested enhancement of the carpet area for PMAY houses from 30 to 50 square meters and an increase in the centre's contribution to their construction.
The state demanded funding from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for solid waste management in the Itanagar Municipal Corporation and sought the resumption of lumpsum funding to North Eastern states. The Union Minister assured that all matters would be considered sympathetically, taking into account the region's unique climatic conditions and hilly terrain.
On July 9, Manohar Lal reviewed the status of the implementation of various urban missions in the northeastern states in a meeting held at Guwahati. He stressed the utmost priority attached by the Government towards the growth and development of the entire northeastern region and drew attention to the urgent need for sustainable habitat development in the region.
Ministers and secretaries/commissioners of urban development from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura presented key challenges and issues in implementing central schemes. The Minister highlighted the geo-strategic importance of the northeastern region and the potential for tourism. He congratulated Assam for being the best performing state in the region under the PMSvanidhi scheme and urged all states to adopt the Model Tenancy Act as soon as possible.