Itanagar, Jul 16 (PTI): A high-level team from NITI Aayog on Thursday arrived in Arunachal Pradesh to assess the damage caused by recent floods and discuss measures to strengthen disaster resilience, as the deluge has affected more than one lakh people across the state, officials said. The team, led by NITI Aayog member Dr Joram Aniya, included National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Rita Missal and senior officials from NITI Aayog, the NDMA and the Central Water Commission.
The ongoing spell of rain-triggered floods and landslides has so far claimed seven lives, injured 29 people and affected 1,03,167 people across the northeastern state. The calamity has also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, houses, agriculture and horticulture, according to official reports.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the meeting focused on strengthening disaster resilience and advancing Arunachal Pradesh’s development priorities in view of the recurring natural disasters faced by the state.
Expressing gratitude to the visiting delegation, Khandu said the team’s visit would provide policymakers with a better understanding of the challenges faced by the people of the frontier state, especially in the wake of the recent floods.
“I thank the delegation for visiting Arunachal Pradesh to gain first-hand insights into the challenges faced by our people, particularly in the wake of the recent floods,” the chief minister said in a post on X.
He said such field visits are essential for formulating effective policies and support mechanisms that reflect the realities on the ground.
“Such on-ground assessments are vital for shaping policies and support mechanisms that truly address the state’s unique needs,” Khandu added.
Highlighting the need for a region-specific approach to disaster management, the chief minister said Arunachal Pradesh’s unique geographical and climatic conditions demand tailored solutions.
“Disaster management in Arunachal Pradesh must be shaped by the realities of our terrain, climate and people, not by one-size-fits-all policies,” Khandu said.
The cumulative number of people affected in the state has risen to 1,03,167, with Upper Siang emerging as the worst-hit district, affecting 49,259 people, followed by Siang (25,365), Kra Daadi (13,731), East Kameng (6,146), Upper Subansiri (3,467) and Namsai (2,657), according to official reports.
Floods and landslides have damaged 622 houses across the state, including 454 kutcha houses, 100 pucca houses, 44 huts and 24 houses under other categories.
The overall loss to agriculture and horticulture has also mounted to 561.75 hectares, comprising 224 hectares of agricultural land and 337.75 hectares of horticulture plantations.
The chief minister expressed confidence that close coordination between the Centre and the state, backed by first-hand assessments by central agencies, would help strengthen disaster preparedness, improve resilience and ensure that support measures are aligned with the state’s specific requirements.
