Where is Nechiphu tunnel in India? Why is it important?

Subject : Geography

Section: Places in news

Context:

A newly-built 500-metre tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh will provide all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang region along the Line of Actual Control.

Defense Projects:

The tunnel is one of the 90 projects taken up by Border Road Organisation at a cost of ₹ 2,941 crore.
- Of these 90 projects, 36 are in Arunachal Pradesh; 26 in Ladakh; 11 in Jammu & Kashmir; 5 in Mizoram; 3 in Himachal Pradesh;2 each in Sikkim, Uttarakhand & West Bengal and 1 each in Nagaland, Rajasthan and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- 90 projects include: 22 roads, 63 bridges, the Nechiphu tunnel, two airfields, and two helipads.

Nechiphu tunnel:

Located in: West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The tunnel is constructed at a height of 5,700 feet on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road.
The tunnel is fitted with the modern electromechanical systems and firefighting equipment, automatic lighting and monitoring systems.
Benefits:
- All-weather communication will be provided by the Sela Tunnel and the Nechiphu Tunnel.
- It will benefit the armed forces, apart from tourists.
- Lessen carbon emissions in the area with fragile ecosystems.

Nyoma airfield:

The Defence minister laid the foundation stone of Nyoma Airfield in Eastern Ladakh which would be developed at a cost of approximately ₹200 crore.
It will boost the air infrastructure in Ladakh and augment IAF’s capability along the Northern border with China.

Shunkun la Tunnel:

Shinkun La Tunnel, which is under construction, will become the world’s highest tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 feet.
The tunnel will connect Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal to the Zaskar Valley in Ladakh and provide all weather connectivity.