Tripura for northeast energy grid

Agartala : Improved connectivity and a regional energy grid can ensure faster economic development of the northeast, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said Tuesday.

Rail, road and air connectivity in the region and also with the southeast Asian countries should be improved for faster economic development of both the regions, Sarkar said at a function here.

For more efficient management of the power situation, a regional energy grid covering northeastern states and adjoining countries should be operationalised, he said.

A regional meet on the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-13 to 2016-17) was held in Guwahati Monday and Tuesday to finalise strategies for the plan.

Chief ministers of all the eight northeastern states attended the meet, which was chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

Development of infrastructure, especially connectivity in the northeastern region, needs to be accorded the highest priority in the 12th plan, Sarkar said, adding that improvement of telecommunications should also be looked into.

The Tripura chief minister added that the Look-East policy of the central government regarding southeast Asian nations, if properly implemented, has the potential to transform the northeastern region.

Sarkar also called for taking special steps to promote the entire region as an attractive tourist destination.