The Central Government has entrusted the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) with crafting a Vision 2047 for the North East Region (NER).
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is overseeing the project, engaging with State Governments to ensure timely preparation of the vision document.
Key Focus Areas:
Connectivity Enhancement:
The NER's economic development was hindered by its landlocked status and reliance on a narrow corridor (chicken-neck corridor) connecting it with the rest of India.
Current Efforts: Emphasis on improving connectivity within the region and with neighboring countries. Initiatives include opening waterways through Bangladesh.
Future Goals: Explore additional routes and infrastructure to bolster regional access and connectivity.
Act East Policy and Regional Trade:
Policy Status: The Act East Policy has yet to realize its full potential, partly due to geopolitical instability in Myanmar, affecting the trilateral highway project linking India, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Challenges: Ongoing conflict in Myanmar poses risks to trade and commerce routes.
Flood and Erosion Management:
Current Issues: Persistent flood and erosion problems in Assam, exacerbated by sediment carried from upstream states and the Brahmaputra River.
Need for Cooperation: Effective resolution requires a collective effort from all NER states and significant central government support.
Inter-State Impact: The Brahmaputra's sediment load affects neighboring states, making it crucial for a unified approach.
Action Points for Vision 2047:
State Cooperation: Engage state governments in comprehensive planning and problem-solving.
Infrastructure Development: Focus on creating and enhancing multiple connectivity routes, including road, rail, and waterways.
Regional Integration: Strengthen regional integration through improved trade routes and infrastructure.
Comprehensive Solutions: Address environmental challenges like floods and erosion with a coordinated approach involving all affected states and the central government.
NE Vision 2047 aims to transform the North East Region by addressing critical challenges related to connectivity, trade, and environmental management. Successful implementation will require collaborative efforts from state and central governments, leveraging expertise from various fields and incorporating innovative solutions to drive sustainable development.
