Arunchal urges helicopter svcs for Dibang Valley district

"Keeping in view the problems faced by the people of Dibang Valley, there is urgent need to arrange special helicopter services from Itanagar to Anini twice a week preferably on Wednesday and Saturday," Tacho, Urban Development, Housing, Town Planning and Fisheries minister, said in a letter to the chief minister.

Tacho, who represents Anini constituency, said the helicopter services were necessary as heavy rains in the last one month have caused landslides and road blockades on the highway connecting Anini to other parts of the state.

"The BRTF road between Roing and Anini which is the lifeline of the district has been completely damaged at various points. Many small bridges on the road have also been washed away and the district remains cut off," Tacho said in the letter.

There was no electricity and telephone connectivity in the district for the last one month.

He said because of these factors, there was a shortage of rations and life-saving drugs and if the situation did not improve there would also be a food crisis.

Meanwhile, the All Arunachal Pradesh Student Union has appealed to the Centre for immediate release of relief funds for the state.

"With daily reports of roads being snapped, people marooned and their houses, livestock being washed away, agricultural land inundated due to flash floods and landslides, the state needs a compassionate view by the Centre," AAPSU president Takam Tatung said in a statement here.