ITANAGAR, May 1: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday described the state as a “powerhouse of India” in hydroelectricity generation and said that improved connectivity and infrastructure development have helped the tourism, agriculture and horticulture sectors grow.
Addressing policymakers and academicians at the ICPP Growth Conference 2026 hosted by the Isaac Centre for Public Policy, Ashoka University in New Delhi, he said hydropower projects with a cumulative capacity of around 19,000 MW are currently under various stages of development in the state.
A long-term target is to achieve 40,000 MW by 2047, contributing significantly to the vision of a developed India, he said.
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The CM also spoke about the rapid growth in tourism, agriculture and horticulture sectors, attributing this progress to improved connectivity and infrastructure.
The expansion of road networks, including access to remote and border areas, has opened up new avenues for economic growth and tourism in the state, he said.
Khandu described Arunachal Pradesh as one of the most beautiful and strategically significant states of the country, being the largest in the northeast as well as the easternmost and northernmost state in the region, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.
He highlighted the state’s rich cultural diversity, with 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, noting that Hindi serves as a vital language link that unites the people across different communities.
Khandu emphasised that the northeast, once perceived through the lens of insurgency, underdevelopment and isolation, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade.
He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the region to the centre of India’s development agenda.
He noted that regular visits by Union ministers and senior officials to the region have played a crucial role in identifying issues on the ground and ensuring timely resolution, thereby accelerating development.
Khandu highlighted key governance reforms undertaken by his government, particularly in ensuring transparency and accountability in recruitment.
The chief minister shared that a comprehensive overhaul of the education system is underway in line with the National Education Policy 2020, with a target for full implementation by 2030.
He noted that difficult but necessary decisions, including the rationalisation of over 600 non-viable schools, were taken to improve educational outcomes.
The chief minister also spoke about Arunachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity and the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Referring to India’s commitments made at COP26, he said the state has adopted a structured approach with defined pillars and strategies to balance economic development with environmental conservation, ensuring community participation in preserving forests and natural resources.
He also spoke about national initiatives like the Vibrant Villages Programme, expansion of highways and hydropower development, which are “contributing to building stronger, more connected communities in the frontier state”, the statement said. “When we invest in people and create opportunities, we move forward together,” he added. (PTI)
