Arunachal Deputy CM inaugurates Septage treatment plant, lays foundation for major agro-processing unit

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 31, 2025

In a significant push for infrastructure and sustainable development in Arunachal Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Monday inaugurated the Septage Management and Treatment Plant at Alubari in Chongkham, catering to urban towns in Namsai, Chongkham, Tezu, Roing, and surrounding rural areas. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Processing Unit of Lohit Organic Farmers Producer Company Limited at Medo, a project set to strengthen organic farming in the region.

Funded under the 2021-22 Budget Announcement, the Rs 25 crore Septage Management and Treatment Plant marks a major milestone in the state’s sanitation drive. The facility will manage and treat septic waste from households, institutions, and offices, converting sludge into non-agricultural manure and ensuring safe disposal of treated liquid effluent.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Mein emphasized that the plant is the first of its kind in Eastern Arunachal and will provide a sustainable solution to sanitation challenges caused by rapid urbanization. He reiterated the government’s commitment to constructing similar facilities in every urban town for improved hygiene and environmental conservation.

Praising the District Urban Development Agency, Namsai, and M/s Ace Alliance Pvt Ltd. for their role in the project’s timely completion, he also acknowledged the crucial support of local villagers and land donors in making the initiative a reality.

Later in the day, Mein laid the foundation stone for the Rs 9.14 crore Integrated Processing Unit at Medo under the MOVCD-NER Scheme, approved by NEDFi. This facility aims to enhance the production, processing, and marketing of organic produce, ensuring minimum support price (MSP) for farmers and establishing market linkages.

Speaking at the event, Mein highlighted how this initiative will revitalize Arunachal’s agricultural sector by securing assured buyback of produce, reducing farmers’ dependence on external markets, and boosting their economic stability. He also noted that with the upcoming railway services to Parshuram Kund and cargo facilities at Tezu Airport, the marketing of agricultural and horticultural products would become significantly easier.

The Deputy CM also stressed the need to strengthen Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in collaboration with ICAR, ensuring scientific cultivation practices benefit farmers. He expressed optimism that the region, once known as the ‘Orange Bowl of Arunachal Pradesh,’ could regain its agricultural prominence with new opportunities in organic tea, ginger, turmeric, pumpkin, and maize production.

The events were attended by MLAs Chau Zingnu Namchoom (Namsai), Dr. Mohesh Chai (Tezu-Sunpura), Puinnyo Apum (Dambuk), ZPCs Urmila Mancheykhun (Namsai) and Dasula Krisikro (Lohit), Commissioner (Agriculture) Bidol Tayeng, DCs C.R. Khampa (Namsai) and K.N. Damo (Lohit), MD (APAMB) Okit Paling, and other dignitaries.