FLIGHTS OF FANTASY…
[ Group Captain Mohonto Panging VM (Retd) ]
Most states of India do not share border with any other country. Some states share borders with one country, a few share borders with two countries. Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in India to share borders with three countries. Arunachal shares 160 km border with Bhutan, 440 km with Myanmar and 1030 km with China.
About 95 % of Arunachal consists of high mountains and hill ranges. Up to the eastern tip of Arunachal the mountains are a part of the Himalayan ranges. In the south, the hills are part of the Patkai range. The terrain in these Himalayan ranges consists of steep mountains, deep ravines, gorges, dense jungles and turbulent rivers. The average height of these mountains ranges from few 1,000 feet to over 15,000 feet along the northern borders. Therefore Arunachal acts as a natural barrier towards the north and east.
The Tibetan plateau lies to the north and east of Arunachal. The general elevation of the terrain along the border with Arunachal ranges from 10,000 feet to over 15,000 feet. The area is marked by desolate and arid terrain without much vegetation. At these altitudes, due to less atmospheric oxygen levels, human beings require extensive acclimatisation and training to sustain even moderate levels of activity. The desolate and arid terrain makes it difficult and cost intensive for construction of many infrastructures like roads, railway, airfields, bridges etc.
Entry into Arunachal from the North and East is possible only through few passes dispersed along the mountain ranges. It is through these passes that the Chinese forces entered into Arunachal India in 1962. If these few passes are properly defended, it would be difficult for foot soldiers and supporting vehicles to gain entry into the region on a large scale. Therefore Arunachal with its imposing mountains and rough terrain constitutes a natural barrier for the Assam Valley.
If Arunachal is overrun, the Assam Valley will be exposed and there would be easy access to other parts of India.
Due to its many rapid flowing rivers, Arunachal is a source of tremendous Hydro power. It is estimated that Arunachal Pradesh has a hydropower potential of more than 50,000 megawatts (MW). It is estimated that this hydropower potential is capable of generating electricity to supply entire north India! Arunachal is also rich in mineral deposits like coal, limestone, dolomite etc. The state is also rich in rare flora and fauna. Access to these inherent capabilities cannot be frittered away by any nation.
Considering the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh, the nation must invest in developing and defending the state. The first step would be the identification of the few passes which allows entry into Arunachal from the North and East. These vital passes need to be strengthened and defended with vigour and urgency. This may be followed up with planning and building strategic infrastructure like All Weather Roads, Bridges, Railways, Airports etc to support these important defensive points. The hydro power potential of the state needs to be harnessed by building suitable dams. China has already commissioned a 510 MW dam over the Brahmaputra at Zangmu. Two more dams are under construction over the Brahmaputra in Tibet. We are debating, discussing and obstructing the construction of big dams. China is busy constructing dams!!
It is high time that we highlight the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh. Once the national leadership and we ourselves realise this strategic importance of our state, we will take off on the path of development and stability.