Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu on Monday inaugurated the Tsari Taksing Gajang Shedup Dargeyling Monastery at Taksing, a remote border village in Upper Subansiri district adjoining the Tibet-China region, and reaffirmed the govt’s commitment to accelerating development, connectivity, and livelihood opportunities in frontier areas.
Calling the event historic, Khandu said such a large public gathering was being witnessed for the first time in Taksing’s history. He praised the Nah Welfare Society, local leaders, and the district administration for successfully organising the programme despite the logistical challenges of the region’s remoteness.
During his visit, more than 40 developmental initiatives — including inaugurations and foundation stone layings — were undertaken in the Nacho assembly constituency, reflecting the pace of infrastructure growth in the district. Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh’s transformation over the past decade was the result of collective efforts by the state govt, elected representatives, officials, and central agencies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlighting connectivity as the backbone of development, Khandu recalled that Taksing was once accessible only by helicopter. Road connectivity was achieved in 2019 through sustained coordination with the Centre and the BRO, marking the beginning of socio-economic change in the region.
He cited the Trans-Arunachal Highway — a 1,800km corridor from Tawang to Longding — as a game-changer, reducing travel time and improving access to district headquarters. He also spoke about the upcoming Frontier Highway, a strategic border road project, noting that tendering is underway for stretches in Upper Subansiri district and urging public cooperation for smooth implementation.
Emphasising zero tolerance towards corruption, Khandu warned against delays or irregularities in land compensation and project execution, citing strict action taken in certain stretches of the Trans-Arunachal Highway.
On border area development, he said the vibrant villages programme has brought significant benefits to frontier regions by improving connectivity, livelihoods, and infrastructure. He stressed the importance of coordination between civil administration, the Army, and ITBP to build sustainable models of development in border villages.
Khandu announced plans to develop Taksing as a tourism circuit, highlighting its historical and religious significance as a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site associated with the ancient Tsari (Rong Kora). Efforts are underway, in consultation with the Army and the Centre, to revive the pilgrimage in a regulated manner.
Referring to Arunachal’s hydropower potential, he said the state is emerging as India’s leading hydropower hub, with nearly 19,000 MW under development. Projects such as the 2,000-MW Lower Subansiri project are nearing completion, while several mega projects will further strengthen the state’s economy. He urged local communities to support hydropower initiatives, noting benefits such as employment, land compensation, and direct transfer of 1% of power sale revenue to affected families.
He assured that issues raised in a six-point memorandum submitted by the Nah Welfare Society — including road connectivity, water supply, and tourism infrastructure — would be addressed through a dedicated project for Taksing and Kodoka areas.
Calling upon newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives to play a proactive role, Khandu stressed transparency, convergence of schemes, and people-centric planning under programmes like Viksit Bharat Gram Yojana, with focus on water security, livelihoods, agriculture, tourism, and employment generation.
He expressed confidence that Upper Subansiri district, with collective effort and public participation, will emerge as a model of development, tourism, and border resilience in the years ahead.
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