CM Pema Khandu Lays Foundation Stone for Permanent Headquarters of Lower Siang District at Siji

Siji (Lower Siang) :  Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday laid the foundation stone for the permanent headquarters of Lower Siang district at Siji, calling the occasion a historic milestone after a journey of more than a decade marked by administrative hurdles and developmental delays.

Addressing a large public gathering in the presence of Ministers, MLAs, senior officers, Panchayat leaders, and community representatives, the Chief Minister recalled that although Lower Siang district was created in 2013, its progress was hindered by prolonged disputes over district boundaries, finalisation of the headquarters location, and infrastructure bottlenecks.

“From 2013 till today, nearly 13 years have passed. Unfortunately, Lower Siang faced more problems than development during this period. Today’s programme marks a turning point,” Khandu said.

He acknowledged the efforts of the local area committee and elected representatives for documenting the historical background and chronology of the headquarters issue, stating that the people themselves best understood the challenges faced over the years.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to local land donors who voluntarily gave up their agricultural land for the development of the district headquarters, describing it as a vital contribution to the future of Lower Siang.

Highlighting development disparities, Khandu noted that several districts formed after Lower Siang had progressed faster with fully functional headquarters and infrastructure. He urged the people to overcome internal differences and work together for the district’s advancement.

“We must stop creating issues among ourselves. Now is the time to work together and take Lower Siang forward,” he appealed.

Reiterating that the decision to establish Siji as the permanent headquarters had already been finalised through constitutional and legislative processes in 2022, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for coordination and collective effort to accelerate development.

Road connectivity, he said, remains a top priority, especially the proposed Siji–Koyu road via Sikirima in the Nari-Koyu Assembly segment. He informed that alignment and DPR work have been completed and assured that the project would be taken up on priority.

Khandu also stressed strict adherence to the approved master plan for Siji headquarters and cautioned against unplanned construction. He assured that more projects would be sanctioned in the coming years to strengthen district-level infrastructure.

Emphasising grassroots empowerment, the Chief Minister underlined the role of Panchayati Raj institutions and encouraged newly elected Panchayat leaders to actively engage with government schemes and policies. He highlighted recent training programmes for Panchayat members and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening local governance without political interference.

Referring to provisions in the recent Union Budget, Khandu urged local leaders to ensure effective implementation of schemes related to rural employment, infrastructure, livelihoods, women empowerment, and youth development at the village level.

Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to balanced development, he assured that Lower Siang would receive its due share of infrastructure growth in the coming years.

On the issue of Sikirima, which had been proposed as the headquarters by a section of people, Khandu assured that he would visit the area soon and explore possibilities for major infrastructure development there. He said that completion of the Siji–Koyu road via Sikirima would significantly improve connectivity in the Nari-Koyu segment. He also assured that the interstate boundary issue along the Arunachal–Assam border, particularly concerning the Ramle Banggo area, would be addressed on priority.

Background of the Headquarters Decision

The decision to establish Siji as the permanent headquarters follows a long administrative and consultative process under the Arunachal Pradesh (Re-organisation of Districts) Act, 2013. The demand for the creation of Lower Siang district was initially raised by the people of Nari–Koyu, with later participation from stakeholders in the Likabali area.

Over the years, several representations suggested different locations for the headquarters, including Garu and Sikirima, with temporary arrangements at Likabali. To resolve the prolonged impasse, the State Government constituted multiple committees, including High Power Committees, Committees of Legislators, a Group of Ministers, and a three-member committee formed in 2021.

After detailed consultations and feasibility assessments, the State Cabinet approved Siji as the permanent headquarters on February 23, 2022. The decision was subsequently endorsed by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly through an amendment to the district re-organisation law.

The Siji headquarters site spans over 322 hectares of land voluntarily donated by local landowners. The location offers ample plain land for planned development, assured perennial water sources, and proximity to the Likabali–Aalo National Highway, ensuring long-term connectivity and expansion.

Environmental and Legal Compliance

The State Government has completed all statutory procedures for environmental clearance. Forest diversion proposals were submitted through the Parivesh Portal of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and in-principle forest clearance has been granted. Required payments towards Compensatory Afforestation and Net Present Value have been deposited, with afforestation planned over double the diverted forest area.

In related litigation, the National Green Tribunal observed that establishing a district headquarters falls within the State Government’s administrative domain, subject to statutory clearances. Another petition challenging the decision was dismissed by the Tribunal as misconceived.

The Chief Minister reiterated that development at the district headquarters would not come at the expense of other areas, assuring inclusive and balanced growth across all circles and villages of Lower Siang.

Projects Inaugurated and Announced

During the programme, foundation stones were laid for nine projects and seven completed projects were inaugurated, involving investments worth several crores of rupees.

Inaugurated projects included 12 Type-II residential quarters for fire and emergency staff, Kardu Taipodia Triple Court Indoor Badminton Stadium, Police Station complex, One Stop Centre, and multiple drinking water supply augmentation projects at Likabali, Gensi, and Sile.

Foundation stones were laid for key infrastructure projects including a Mini Secretariat, RCC bridge over the Siji River, road connectivity from the Likabali–Aalo highway to Siji, Government Secondary School at Dipa, accommodation for officers and staff, a Rest House for patients and the shelterless, a Fire Station, Type-V staff quarters, and a new Police Station at Pale.

The event marked what the Chief Minister described as the beginning of a new chapter in the developmental journey of Lower Siang district.