Youths restore hope in Arunachal’s West Siang

Across the state, young people are stepping up to drive change, tackling a wide range of challenges from drug awareness and waste management to infrastructure development

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Ina powerful display of grassroots leadership, youths in Arunachal Pradesh's West Siang district have taken it upon themselves to revive incomplete infrastructure projects and address longstanding civic issues, without waiting for government support.

A notable instance of this spirit is unfolding in West Siang, where two youths have spearheaded the redevelopment of the long-pending Aalo Indoor Stadium, while another young entrepreneur has repaired a vital bridge connecting remote villages. The Aalo Indoor Stadium project, sanctioned under the 2014-15 Special Plan Assistance (SPA) with an estimated cost of Rs 35.28 crore, was awarded to M/s TK Engineering Consortium Limited.

Construction began in June 2018 with a 36-month deadline, yet the project remains incomplete.

In contrast, other stadiums sanctioned in the same period at Chimpu, Pasighat, Yupia, and Ziro have already been completed and are regularly hosting sports events.

By 2024, the delay had tested the patience of local communities. Multiple appeals from community-based organisations, students, and senior citizens to expedite construction or have the firm vacate the site went unheard.