India Presses Ahead With Development Of Border Villages, Infrastructure In Arunachal Amid Tensions With China On LAC

Arunachal Pradesh’s government is working on infrastructure development programmes along borders shared with China, Bhutan and Myanmar in an effort to uplift the previously neglected areas that had been overlooked for decades, reported Economic Times.

This development comes amid heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control since May 2020, when China deployed a large number of troops and heavy equipment to change the status quo in eastern Ladakh.

India’s counter-deployment in response has led to a tense standoff, which has seen multiple clashes between the Indian and Chinese troops.

Just last year (December 2022), Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Yangtse locality of the Tawang region in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said 65 model villages now have infrastructure thanks to the Border Area Development Programme (BADP).

Mein, according to the report was responding to a question by Congress MLA Ninong Ering regarding the state government's actions regarding China's construction activities along India’s international border.

“Four new Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas and four existing schools were upgraded under BADP for Rs 80 crore to develop the education sector,” Mein said.

“Additionally, eight model schools were set up in the border region during 2017-18,” he added.

According to Mein, “To address infrastructure gaps at the border, development projects such as road connectivity, foot suspension bridges, health facilities, drinking water and electricity facilities have been provided through the normal allocation of BADP fund and also from the state fund."

During a visit to Arunachal Pradesh, India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that infrastructure development in border regions is a pivotal change for the area.

The government is building smart roads in plains, however, border areas face a scarcity of roads and some even lack basic tracks.

In response, the government has initiated welfare schemes to provide basic amenities like electricity, education, and health, that depend upon connectivity.

According to Mein, the government is prioritising the development of the North Eastern Region as it serves as a gateway to East Asia. Developing this area is crucial not only for the nation's growth but also for strengthening relationships with East Asia through trade, travel, and tourism.