ITANAGAR, Sept 15 - Advocating sustainable development in the hilly state, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday said infrastructure should not be created at the cost of environment and cultural identity of the state.
Speaking at the Engineers Day celebrations, Khandu suggested that the engineering fraternity can incorporate traditional architectural designs in constructing public buildings and other structures.
Lauding the contribution of engineers in building the state, Khandu assured the government�s full cooperation. �You have a government in place with will power as well as political will, which is ready to back you up when required. You need not fear anybody. Be committed to your responsibilities and do not compromise with quality development of the state,� he said.
Khandu said the theme for this year�s celebration � Engineering for Change � was needed to be followed urgently in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister called for change in planning, designing and use of technology specific to geological conditions for creating infrastructure, but pointed out that first, the change should come from within. �We need change in knowledge and technology, but first we need change in our mindset. Without changing our old mindset and the thought process, nothing will change,� he said.
Welcoming new technologies, Khandu advised engineers to study traditional methods of construction that have withstood time and nature. He gave the example of the iron-chain linked suspension bridge at Chaksam near Mogto village over the Tawangchu river in Tawang district. �This bridge was built in the 1450s by Lama Chaksam Wangpo and it is said that 108 similar bridges were built by him in the entire region. The said bridge is still serving its purpose!� he said.
Ministers Honchun Ngandam and Wangki Lowang also called for innovation and sincerity on part of the engineers to develop the state. Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar called engineers the epicentre of life as �everyday life revolves around engineers�.
