Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Public Health Engineering & Water Supply (PHED) Minister Mama Natung, inaugurated a state-of-the-art drinking water supply project for the Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) on Friday. The ₹19 crore project, funded under the Smart City Mission, is set to significantly enhance water availability at the state’s only medical college. The new facility, capable of supplying 1.9 million litres per day (MLD), was developed over two years to meet the growing needs of TRIHMS. The project will benefit students, faculty, patients, and campus residents by ensuring a steady and reliable water supply. Executed by the PHED with J.G. Enterprises as the contractor, the project was financed by the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Limited.
Speaking to the media, CM Khandu emphasized the project’s importance in addressing the water shortage at TRIHMS. “Previously, the facility could only deliver 2 lakh litres per day, leading to frequent shortages. With the campus expanding rapidly, we prioritized the enhancement of this water supply project. Now, with a capacity of 1.9 MLD, it will fully cater to the needs of TRIHMS, and in the future, it may also benefit the general public,” Khandu stated. Local MLA Techi Kaso praised the initiative, noting its critical role in supporting TRIHMS, while also addressing the delayed completion of the Package B highway project. Kaso urged citizens to support developmental efforts and not rely solely on government aid.
PHED Chief Engineer Er. Toko Jyoti provided insights into the project’s technical aspects, explaining that the transformation of the general hospital into a medical college necessitated a substantial increase in water supply. “The project now delivers up to 1.9 MLD, ensuring adequate water for the growing needs of the TRIHMS campus,” Jyoti said. He also highlighted the broader issue of water scarcity in the twin cities of Naharlagun and Nirjuli, stressing the need for a master plan to address the escalating demand. Dahey Sangno, CEO of Smart City Itanagar, underscored the project’s significance, stating that the upgrade was crucial to meet the expanding requirements of TRIHMS. “The Smart City Mission funded this project to ensure the medical college’s water needs are met, with PHED executing the work under our supervision,” Sangno added.
