Itanagar, Jul 1 (PTI): Union ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Kiren Rijiju, deputed to assess the flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh, assured the northeastern state of the Centre’s full support in undertaking relief, rehabilitation and long-term flood mitigation measures.
Four people died, 21 were injured, and two remained missing as heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides in Arunachal Pradesh over the past seven days, causing widespread damage to houses, roads, bridges and public infrastructure.
A day after the Union ministers undertook an aerial and ground assessment of the flood-ravaged Keyi Panyor district along with chief minister Pema Khandu, Chouhan said the Centre would work closely with the state government to provide succour to the state.
Rijiju, a Lok Sabha MP from the state, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting the affected people and stressed the need for permanent solutions to recurring floods. He said the Centre stands firmly with the affected people and will continue to work closely with the state government to ensure timely relief, restoration and rehabilitation.
The two ministers said recurring floods in the area require durable engineering interventions rather than temporary measures.
Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan met Governor K T Parnaik at the Lok Bhavan in the state capital and assured him of the Centre’s full support to Arunachal Pradesh for flood recovery and the development of its agriculture sector. Officials said the meeting focused on the damage caused by recent floods and measures to strengthen irrigation, rural connectivity, agricultural infrastructure, organic farming, high-value crops, agri-technology, skill development and market linkages.
Parnaik briefed the minister on the extensive damage caused by recent floods and sought continued central support for rebuilding essential infrastructure and restoring livelihoods.
After inspecting the flood-ravaged areas, Chief Minister Khandu said, “The damage caused by the Sibo Korong river, which is flowing at spate, is massive.”
He said the state government would prepare a permanent flood protection plan for the Sibo Korong river basin in coordination with the Centre. Keyi Panyor is among the worst-affected districts, while East Siang, Papum Pare, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Upper Subansiri, Leparada, Lower Siang, Lower Dibang Valley and Anjaw have also suffered extensive damage.
Multiple agencies, including the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, Air Force, district administrations and local volunteers, have been engaged in rescue, evacuation and relief operations.
According to a State Emergency Operation Centre report, around 90,499 people in 251 villages were affected, with Upper Siang district being the worst affected.
Of the four deaths, one was due to a landslide at Sarti village in Anjaw district on June 28. The other three deaths occurred in a flash flood that struck Possa in Keyi Panyor district on June 24.
During his meeting with Chouhan, the governor said Arunachal Pradesh has immense potential to become a major hub of sustainable and high-value agriculture.
Strengthening infrastructure, promoting organic farming, adopting modern technology and improving market access would boost the rural economy and contribute to the vision of a developed and self-reliant Arunachal, he said.
Highlighting the state’s natural advantage in organic farming, Parnaik sought support for certified organic clusters, incentives for natural farming, promotion of high-value horticulture crops and branding of “Organic Arunachal” products in national and international markets.
He also requested assistance for setting up research centres, farmer training and climate-resilient farming practices through institutions such as ICAR and NABARD.
The governor also advocated the promotion of agri-startups, food processing and agro-based industries, along with stronger market linkages for farmers to create employment opportunities for the youth.
