Jitendra Prasad, who holds the Vishisht Seva Medal, has recently concluded a five-day inspection of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) infrastructure under Project Arunank. This project, headquartered in Naharlagun, has been instrumental in road and bridge construction across various districts in Arunachal Pradesh since its inception in 2008. The inspection underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing infrastructural capabilities in this strategically critical region.
During this visit, ADGBR (East) Prasad met with the Hon’ble Governor, Lt Gen KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd). He provided insights into the ongoing initiatives by the BRO aimed at bolstering border infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. The Governor praised BRO’s long-standing partnership in driving development in the state, reinforcing the importance of such collaborations for regional growth and security.
In addition to meeting the Governor, ADGBR Prasad engaged with Chief Secretary Shri Manish Gupta, IAS. Their discussions revolved around the need for incorporating new construction methodologies that prioritize the ecological balance while enhancing road infrastructure. This focus on sustainability is crucial, especially in regions where the landscape can be significantly affected by developmental activities.
Prasad also met with Shri P Subramanyam, IFS, PCCF of the Arunachal Pradesh government, to deliberate on expediting forest clearances necessary for the numerous road projects planned in border regions. This step is vital to ensure that infrastructure development doesn’t lose momentum due to bureaucratic hurdles, especially given the challenging terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.
Alongside Brig H Bhattacharya, Chief Engineer of Project Arunank, Prasad inspected various roads currently under construction in the Upper Subansiri district, a task undertaken by the 23 Border Roads Task Force. The necessity of such inspections cannot be overstated, as they ensure that the infrastructure remains capable of supporting not only military logistics but also the socio-economic upliftment of local communities.
The inspecting officer highlighted the critical importance of road connectivity for enabling seamless movement of troops and equipment, which is indispensable in maintaining strong borders. Improved roads directly contribute to enhancing local healthcare access, boosting trade, and promoting tourism—all of which are vital for the economic vitality of these border areas.
Prasad commended the efforts of both Project Arunank and the 23 Border Roads Task Force, noting their resilience in maintaining essential roadways despite facing harsh climatic conditions and difficult terrain. He provided constructive feedback on technical and planning aspects to ensure that road construction projects remain on track and are completed in a timely manner.
