Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has highlighted the unique challenges of urban development in the region, including difficult terrain, scattered settlements, high infrastructure costs, limited municipal revenue and vulnerability to natural disasters.

Addressing the Regional Workshop on Implementation of the 16th Finance Commission Urban Local Body Grants for North-Eastern States at the Golden Jubilee Banquet Hall in Itanagar today, Mein said the 16th Finance Commission has recommended around 3.56 lakh crore rupees in grants for Urban Local Bodies during the 2026-27 to 2030-31 period, offering an important opportunity to improve civic infrastructure and strengthen municipal institutions.

Emphasising the need for better urban governance, he called for improved municipal revenue collection, transparent financial management, digitisation and greater institutional capacity. He also highlighted priority areas such as solid waste management, drinking water, sanitation, drainage, wastewater management and climate-resilient infrastructure. The one-day workshop brought together delegates from six North-Eastern States to discuss effective utilisation of Finance Commission grants and strengthening urban governance and municipal service delivery.