Itanagar, Jul 9: Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak on Thursday appealed to the Central Government to provide a special package for relief, rehabilitation and restoration in the districts of Arunachal Pradesh severely affected by recent cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting disaster-affected areas in Papum Pare district and sections of the Trans Arunachal Highway, Tagak said the state is passing through a difficult period, with several districts witnessing widespread damage due to the recent natural calamities.
He said six to seven people have lost their lives, while several others were injured and some remained missing. More than 95,000 people have reportedly been affected, with extensive damage caused to homes, public infrastructure, roads, bridges and agricultural land.
Tagak said over 70,000 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land had been affected, besides significant losses to livestock, making a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package imperative.
While appreciating the state government's efforts in providing immediate relief to affected families, the MP said he would raise the issue in Parliament and meet the concerned Union Ministers to seek additional financial assistance for the state.
The MP also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for promptly deputing Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and an Inter-Ministerial Central Team to assess the flood damage in the affected districts.
He urged the Centre to provide immediate assistance to expedite restoration and rehabilitation works, while advising people to remain vigilant as the monsoon season is expected to continue for the next two months.
Earlier in the day, Tagak inspected the Power House area and arterial road in the Pare Hydroelectric Project colony at Hoj, besides visiting Luksin, Yabi-II and other locations under Toru circle in Sagalee sub-division. He also inspected damaged stretches of the Trans Arunachal Highway from Doimukh to the affected portions in Papum Pare district.
During the inspection, he directed the Highway Department to immediately construct a Bailey bridge to restore connectivity until a permanent bridge is built. The temporary bridge, he said, would facilitate the movement of people and essential commodities to Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Kamle and Upper Subansiri districts.
Tagak was accompanied by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, Sagalee Additional Deputy Commissioner Kipa Raja, Panchayat representatives and officials from various departments.