PM Modi to inaugurate Arunachal Pradesh’s first greenfield airport tomorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tomorrow inaugurate the  Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar signalling New Delhi’s thrust on building infrastructure in the politically sensitive state that borders China.

During his brief visit to Arunachal, PM Modi will also cut the ribbon for 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station. He will then travel to Varanasi to inaugurate ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’ in the afternoon.

The Prime Minister’s visit follows the trip to Arunachal in September by defence minister Rajnath Singh where he took stock of infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control with China.

According to a government statement, the Donyi Polo Airport is the first greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh, which has been developed in an area of over 690 acres, at a cost of more than Rs. 640 crore. The airport is suitable for all-weather day operations and is capable of handle narrow-body jet airliners such as Boeing 737.

The development of a new Airport in Itanagar will not only improve connectivity in the region but will also act as a catalyst for the growth of trade and tourism, thus providing a boost to the economic development of the region.

The state cabinet adopted Donyi Polo as the name of the airport to represent the long-standing customs and rich cultural legacy of the state which has respect for the Sun (Donyi) and the Moon (Polo).

The 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 8450 crore. It is located in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh. The project will make Arunachal Pradesh a power surplus state, also benefiting the National Grid in terms of grid stability and integration. This project will contribute in a major way towards fulfilment of the country’s commitment to increase adoption of green energy

In Varanasi, the Prime Minister will inaugurate ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’– a month-long programme. The programme celebrates, reaffirms and rediscovers the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi – two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning. The programme aims to provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life including scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans and artists  from the two regions to come together, share their knowledge, culture and best practices and learn from each others’ experience.

Guided by the spirit of  “Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat” the programme will draw more than 2500 delegates from Tamil Nadu to Kashi. A month-long exhibition of handlooms, handicrafts, ODOP products, books, documentaries, cuisine, art forms, history and  tourism opportunities will be showcased during the event.

The novel initiative is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge, guided by IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

Also Read: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assesses army’s preparedness along the Chinese border in Arunachal