NEW DELHI: New Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on Friday said developing transport infrastructure like road, railways and aerial network would be his top most priority, besides ensuring economic prosperity for the state bordering China.
Tuki, who was sworn in as new Chief Minister of the state on Tuesday, said he will also accord priority to strengthening telecommunication infrastructure and speedy completion of hydel power projects in the state.
“Enhancing transport infrastructure will be my top most priority along with ensuring overall economic prosperity of the people of the state,” he said here after being felicitated by North East Youth Forum.
Asked about China’s often repeated claim over Arunachal Pradesh, Tuki said “the state is an integral part of India and all its people are proud Indians. The question of such claim does not arise at all.”
Queried about Chinese company TBEA distributing map of India minus some parts of Kashmir and Arunachal here at a function yesterday, Tuki refused to comment saying he does not have the details “officially”. Tuki, the first chief minister from the Nyishi community, had led dissent against his predecessor Jarbom Gamlin forcing the latter to resign. Tuki was chosen as Gamlin’s successor by the Congress high command.
He said maintaining peace and communal harmony among all tribes would also be his area of focus as “development cannot take place without peace.”The Chief Minister said he will finalise his council of Ministers after holding talks with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. “I will also discuss about certain infrastructure projects with her.”
Gamlin, who was sworn in as chief minister on May five after the death of former CM Dorjee Khandu, had resigned following majority of Congress legislators led by Tuki dissented against him.
He said certain construction work at some hydel power projects have been affected due to opposition from certain groups in Assam which have been opposing for environmental reasons.
“I would appeal to them not to oppose the projects,” he said.
As per estimate Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to generate 55,908 MW of power from hydel power projects.
The government has allotted hydro power projects with a capacity of 19,712 MW to various Central organisations and private power developers. (PTI)
