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Dragon in mind, Centre plans to connect Lohith with Devang Valley

The deadline for the project is 2024, but with the work expedited in the wake of the need for better infrastructure in the post Doklam scenario, sources say they are targeting 2022 to complete the project.

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Trucks carrying Army machinery move along the LAC —DNA
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In the harsh terrain prone to landslides, from the Dinjan garrison — the headquarters of the 2 Mountain Division of the Indian Army — to Kibithu on the LAC, troop movement along a distance of 375 km can take up to three days. A mega project to connect the Lohith and Devang Valley is underway, which will connect Hayuliang, an army cantonment around 100 km from the LAC to Hunli.

The deadline for the project is 2024, but with the work expedited in the wake of the need for better infrastructure in the post Doklam scenario, sources say they are targeting 2022 to complete the project.

Indian and Chinese troops were involved in a 73-day face-off in Doklam on the India-China-Myanmar tri-junction last year as Indian troops stopped the Chinese from constructing a road citing violation of the agreement of maintaining status quo by the three countries. New Delhi took a stand that a road in the region was a strategic threat to India.

"It's the lack of sufficient equipment that compromises on time," says an official.

Another problem is the connectivity to the west and east banks of the Lohith River that allows only once approach road to Kibithu at the LAC.

With only one concrete class 70 bridge on the river that can take the load of a 70-tonne vehicle, movement of troops and heavy armaments can be a challenge. This landslide-prone route can be cut off for days, leaving troops stranded.

"There is one temporary bridge close to the LAC for crossing the river, but this has to be dismantled by mid-March as it cannot withstand heavy rains, and rising water levels can wash it away," says an official on the ground.

Work on two more class 70 bridges across the Lohith, which is currently in the pipeline, is expected to start by the end of this year. "If all goes well in a little over a year, these bridges should be ready," the official adds.

Trans Arunachal Highway that will have better road connections is expected to be a game changer in the region.

With little connectivity, the Indian Army troops carry out heavy patrolling of the high altitude regions, the long-range patrols going up to 28 days, covering over 90 km.

"It's only physical patrolling that ensures India can continue to claim remote heights," says an army officer.

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