Annual face-offs with the furies of nature are nothing uncommon in Arunachal Pradesh. But the current year is proving to be exceptionally cruel and the quantum of destruction of life and property caused by unprecedented rainfall in several districts of the Siang belt has surpassed many earlier records. It’s most unfortunate to observe that the infrastructure, the basic minimum to be precise that took so many years to come up have been severely damaged and how long will they take to get back to shape is not sure. It’s often said that every phase of natural calamity ultimately turns out to be an eye-opener as ‘deficiencies’ are brought to light and in the present case also, many such can be read.

The common feature from the long list of destruction will undoubtedly be the roads and bridges that have either been fully washed away needing total rebuilding or have undergone substantial damage that will require a massive revamp. While the entire blame will now be thrown upon nature as she has been comparatively more destructive this time than previous years, from a layman’s point of view, it will be hard to desist the contemplation that is it absolutely impossible to make the state’s vital infrastructure in such a way they can withstand nature’s wrath in a more better way? Certainly, there are such technological innovations now available and Japan can be cited as the most-successful applier. These are the ‘technologies for mankind’ which Arunachal needs to infuse in its developmental programmes as with every passing year, nature is becoming more and more unpredictable. It’s pointless to blame global warming in this context even if it’s the sole cause as the big nations, the largest contributors to the menace will care little.

In Arunachal’s context, a big question mark has invariably chased the word ‘funding’ and specifically in terms of international developmental funding, the dirty hands of China is distinctly perceptible. While it’s incomprehensible why ADB, WB or JICA acceded to China’s strong-arm tactics and blocked these funds, it’s also unclear why the issue hasn’t been pursued in a big way by the Centre on the world fora.

Whether flood protection or any infra build-up, the state badly needs long-term solutions which only massive funding can ensure. The Centre must either act swiftly to dilute China’s pressure and convince the international funding agencies to do justice to Arunachal or arrange it itself. How can the Act East Policy fructify with Arunachal perennially remaining infirm due to its 19^th century infra?

Whether disaster mitigation measures or real-term development, it’s all been far from concrete. To break the pattern, a major overhaul is necessary keeping in mind the rising geo-political importance of the state.