Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced plans for an airport at Anini in Dibang Valley district near the Indo-China border on February 1, while inaugurating multiple infrastructure projects and holding a full Cabinet meeting in the remote town to promote tourism, connectivity, decentralised governance, and reverse migration.
The announcements followed the state Cabinet’s outreach session at Anini under the “Cabinet Aapke Dwar” initiative. Inaugurated projects included a District Hospital, Circuit House, District Panchayat Resource Centre, Panchayat Guest House-cum-Idu Mishmi Heritage Museum, Sky Walk and Roller Coaster, and a Tourism Complex at Acheso.
Upcoming initiatives announced encompass a High-Altitude Medicinal Plant Research Centre, a High-Altitude Trout Hatchery, strategic road works for last-mile connectivity, solar street lights across Anini town, and a science stream at the Government Higher Secondary School, Anini.
Khandu described Anini as one of India’s most scenic destinations and stressed that focused infrastructure in border regions was essential for tourism promotion and strengthening local communities. He said holding Cabinet meetings in border towns reflected the government’s commitment to decentralisation of power and participatory planning.
On air connectivity, Khandu declared the proposed Anini airport a top priority. He stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Civil Aviation had conducted feasibility surveys. “The Anini airport is a top priority for my government,” he said, adding that improved air connectivity would transform access to the remote border district.
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Other sources clarified that a detailed feasibility study for an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at Anini would be conducted by an expert team, considering the district’s strategic location and connectivity requirements.
Khandu reiterated that the proposed 3,096-megawatt Etalin hydropower project in Dibang Valley would be a “game-changer” for Arunachal Pradesh, significantly boosting revenue generation and strengthening the state’s energy profile.
He expressed concern over delays in the 73-km Greenfield road project and directed contractors to complete the work within a revised deadline.
Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao described Anini as “the most beautiful hill station in the country,” saying those who had not seen Anini had “missed everything,” citing its pristine environment, waterfalls, and dramatic landscapes.
The Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department, Anini, appealed to residents to make responsible use of the newly inaugurated Dibang Guest House and to maintain the hygiene and sanctity of public infrastructure.
The initiatives form part of the state’s broader strategy to bolster border areas through development, enhanced civic facilities, and livelihood opportunities.
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