Severe Infrastructural Damage Cuts Off Towns Near Indo-China Border

Anjaw, Arunachal Pradesh: The towns of Hawaii, Walong, and Kibitho, nestled near the Indo-China border, have been completely cut off from mainland India due to severe infrastructural damage caused by erosion and landslides. This isolation has triggered major connectivity issues, severely impacting daily life and essential services in the region.

The most critical disruptions are centered around Hawaii and Walong, where main routes have been rendered impassable by erosion in the Samdul area. Efforts to clear these blockages are estimated to take up to a week, complicating access to these remote towns. Currently, travelers are forced to trek through rough, muddy terrain for over an hour and a half to circumvent damaged roads.

The route from Hayuliang to Hawaii remains operational despite minor landslides, but the road from Tezu to Hayuliang has suffered extensive damage, with approximately 250 meters washed away at Mompani. This disruption has led to significant logistical challenges, impacting the transportation of essential supplies and commodities to the affected areas.

Restoration efforts have been further hindered by disputes over land compensation with local landowners. Additionally, damage to the Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) at multiple locations has disrupted Airtel network services, plunging Hawaii into a four-day internet blackout, exacerbating communication challenges.

Honorable Minister Smt. Dasanglu Pul has been stranded in Anjaw for seven days due to these disruptions, underscoring the severity of the logistical impasse. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) reports extensive damage along the Parashuram Kund to Tidding road, including significant erosion and damage to Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) bridges, necessitating rerouting of traffic through the longer Udayak Road.

To address the mounting concerns, a crucial meeting convened by the District Commissioner is scheduled for July 5 in Hawaii. Minister and local MLA Dasanglu Pul is expected to attend, focusing on strategies to expedite restoration efforts and alleviate the hardships faced by residents.

Residents have voiced urgent demands for daily helicopter services to Hayuliang and Hawaii until road connectivity is fully restored. Moreover, the disruption in power supply due to the washout of poles along the 33KV line from Tezu to Hayuliang has compounded the crisis, affecting essential services and exacerbating the region’s woes.

Efforts to replenish dwindling stocks of essential commodities such as ration, fuel (petrol and diesel), gas cylinders, and medicines are underway, although challenges persist due to limited accessibility and logistical constraints.

Given the scale of damage and the complexity of restoration efforts, authorities anticipate that complete rehabilitation of infrastructure could take at least a month. Immediate measures are being implemented to alleviate the suffering of affected communities and restore normalcy in the region amidst ongoing challenges.

This news story provides a detailed overview of the severe infrastructural damage and isolation affecting towns near the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the impact on connectivity, essential services, and the ongoing efforts to address the crisis.