Arunachal Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has urged the 16th Finance Commission to extend a special ‘Green Bonus’ and provide targeted financial support for climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster management, and restoration of critical water sources. His appeal came during a high-level meeting with Commission members Annie George Mathew, Dr Manoj Panda, and Dr Soumya Kanti Ghosh, who are currently on a five-day visit to the state.
Arunachal Pradesh, renowned for its pristine forests and diverse ecosystems, is facing increasing exposure to climate-induced disasters such as floods and landslides. The state’s 79% forest cover plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, positioning it as an ecological asset in India’s fight against climate change. Mein has emphasised that the state’s forest conservation efforts should be recognised and financially compensated through the introduction of a Green Bonus. This proposal, he argues, will not only acknowledge Arunachal’s environmental contributions but also support its efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.
In addition to the Green Bonus, the Deputy Chief Minister called for a revision of the Cost Disability Index. This recalibration would better reflect the state’s unique geographical and infrastructural challenges, including its difficult mountainous terrain and remote locations, which significantly increase development costs. The demand highlights the disparities in the financial devolution process, ensuring that states like Arunachal, with their complex topography and high development costs, receive adequate funding. Further building on the state’s strategic significance, Mein proposed the establishment of ‘Model Border Villages’ along Arunachal’s international borders with China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. These border areas are not only of national security importance but are also crucial for fostering economic and social development in the region. The proposal envisions these villages equipped with modern infrastructure, including roads, electricity, healthcare, and educational facilities, contributing to both national security and local well-being.
On the economic front, Mein advocated for increased investment in agriculture, with a focus on multi-cropping, irrigation, and value-chain development. The state’s agricultural sector holds untapped potential, and these initiatives could significantly enhance food security and livelihood opportunities for local communities. Additionally, Arunachal’s vast hydropower potential, estimated at over 58,000 MW, offers an opportunity for sustainable energy development, which could not only meet local energy needs but also contribute to national energy security. While seeking support for these initiatives, the Deputy Chief Minister also emphasised Arunachal’s low population density and vast land area. He urged the Commission to take these factors into account when determining financial devolution to the state, ensuring that resources are allocated equitably to meet the state’s developmental needs. The overall goal, as reiterated by Mein, is to make Arunachal a model for sustainable, resilient development, positioning it as India’s eastern gateway.
The Finance Commission’s role in shaping the future of states like Arunachal Pradesh is crucial. The state’s unique ecological and infrastructural challenges require targeted financial support to drive sustainable development. Arunachal Pradesh’s call for a Green Bonus and revised financial allocations highlights the need for a more inclusive and tailored approach to fiscal decentralisation. As the Commission continues its visit, it remains to be seen whether these proposals will be incorporated into the upcoming recommendations. However, Arunachal’s proactive stance on climate resilience, infrastructure development, and economic growth positions the state as a key player in India’s sustainable future.
Arunachal Pushes for Funding to Tackle Climate Disasters
