Arunachal CM Nabam Tuki seeks PM's intervention for overseas funding projects

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to facilitate the scope of externally-aided funding of development projects in the state from organisations like Asian Development Bank and World Bank.

Tuki called on Singh in New Delhi yesterday to discuss various developmental issues of the state, especially implementation of the PM's Package announced on January 31, 2008, official sources said here today.

He told the Prime Minister that Arunachal Pradesh had recently submitted certain infrastructure development projects for funding by ADB but due to certain hurdles the projects were not seeing the light of day.

He appealed for the PM's personal intervention to clear these hurdles so that the state could benefit from international funding agencies.

Appraising the PM of various stages of implementation of the projects under the PM's package, Tuki assured him that the package was being implemented in letter and spirit.

The Chief Minister also urged the PM to consider reconstruction of the historic Stilwell Road to foster bilateral trade with South East Asian countries.

He also discussed strategic infrastructure projects, like the Lumla-Tashigaon road and the tunnel from Sange to Jang being surveyed by the NHPC.

Drawing his attention towards the pending projects, he requested the PM to expedite the process that involves ministry of external affairs, Border Roads Organisation and others.

He also appealed to the PM for facilitating the 'No objection certificate' for the construction of the Lumla airport which would cater to both civilian and defence purposes.