Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh Tourism bagged the India Today Award 2017, organized by India Today Group for “Best Emerging Destination in India” at an event held in New Delhi on April 20. Parliamentary secretary Tourism, P.D. Sona who received the award on behalf of Arunachal Pradesh Tourism said that Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to cater almost all kinds of Tourism from heritage, culture, adventure to pilgrimage. Union Minister of State for Tourism Dr Mahesh Sharma appreciated Arunachal Pradesh Tourism for its efforts to promote Arunachal Tourism in global arena. While lauding the efforts of the India Today India Group in recognizing and acknowledging the leaders of the travel and tourism industry, he said that “We must strive to make India an all-season destination”.
India to construct two advanced landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh
India moved to upgrade its defence infrastructure along the border with China, announcing the construction of two Advanced Landing Grounds (ALG) at Tawang and Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday, a day after Beijing gave its own names to six places in the northeastern state. Defence Secretary G. Mohan Kumar held a high-level review meeting with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and discussed the ALGs to be constructed in Dirang and Tawang. The meeting was also attended by Town Planning and Urban Development Minister, Nabam Rebia, including senior Army officials and senior state officials. Khandu has promised to speed up clearance of pending issues to expedite construction of the airfields. The Chief Minister also discussed issues related to land acquisition for defence purposes, the strategic 378 km Missamari-Tenga-Tawang railway line, the status of ALGs and other security related issues. The Missamari-Tenga-Tawang railway line is expected to be completed by October 2020. Survey work for the project, estimated at Rs 50,000- Rs 70,000 crore, is expected to begin next year. However, Defence Ministry officials urged the Arunachal government to speed up on location survey works so that the project could be completed earlier. During the meeting, the Defence Secretary informed the Chief Minister that the Defence Ministry has given its seal of approval for civilian use of the six ALGs in Arunachal Pradesh to promote tourism in this frontier
state. Kumar said the Defence Ministry had approved civilian use of these airfields on March 30. "The dual use of the ALGs would help Arunachal Pradesh in promoting tourism and other commercial activities and bring succour to the sick and needy who require urgent transportation," Kumar said. The six ALGs - Tuting, Mechuka, Along, Passighat, Vijaynagar and Ziro - along the India-China border have been reconstructed, expanded and operationalised by the Defence Ministry and are under the direct control of the Indian Air Force. On the issue of defence-related land compensation, the state government said that on the matter of dual compensation raised by the defence forces, a Group of Ministers has been set up whose report is awaited. The Arunachal government officials informed that process is on for grant of permanent rights instead of leasehold rights to defence authorities, on condition that the defence authorities pay annual lease rent of Rs 10 per sq mt, which is as per the amended rules of the state's land settlement laws. The move to construct two ALGs in Tawang and Dirang comes after China renamed six places in the state, which it considers as part of "southern Tibet". China had strongly protested the visit of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to Arunachal Pradesh, especially Tawang earlier this month.
Arunachal Pradesh promotes adventure tourism
Arunachal Pradesh promotes adventure tourism with an aim to attract more international and domestic travellers. In its efforts to boost domestic and international tourist inflow in the state, Arunachal Pradesh, in northeastern India, is keen to unlock its geographical attributes to promote the state as an adventure destination. Dr Joram Beda, Tourism Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh, stated that tourism in the state is at a growing stage and there is an intention to develop it as a premium tourism destination in the lines of Bhutan, by preserving the unspoiled nature and the rich tribal culture. “Arunachal Pradesh is investing to become the adventure and exotic tourism hub of India. We have been organising theme-based events like the Tawang festival, Ziro festival of music, Arunachal spring carnival, adventure at Mechuka and the Kameng river festival. The role of tourism partners in building awareness and encouraging the unique attractions this state offers is paramount. In 2017, we expect the number of tourist arrivals to grow exponentially. We thank our tourism partners and urge them to continue promoting the rich biodiversity and ecotourism attractions that Arunachal Pradesh offers,” said Dr Beda. There are five major rivers which are open for white water rafting and kayaking adventures. There are three peaks above 6,000 metres which are unconquered. Also, there are eight wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks in the state suitable for ecotourism. Arunachal Pradesh is home of over 25 tribes and 100 subtribes with distinct cultures. Trekking A major part of Arunachal Pradesh is covered with lush evergreen forests. Tourists, both domestic and international, come here to explore the numerous trekking routes located in the mountains. For trekkers, the Bomdila-Tawang area offers massive scope. The area around Tawang Chu is both interesting and challenging for trekkers. Starting from Jong, one can trek to Mago, passing through a breathtaking jungle where one can see some stupendous waterfalls. May and October are the best months for trekking. Some more fascinating trekking routes are Bomdila-Seppa, Along-Mechuka, Daporijo-Taksing, Pasighat-Tuting, Pasighat-Mariang, Daporijo-Along and BomdilaDaimara-via-Ramlingam and Chakku. Rafting Arunachal Pradesh offers great opportunities for adventure sports like trekking, angling, boating and rafting. One can indulge in rafting on the Siang River. Geographical explorers of the past used to address this river as the ‘Missing Link’ while trying to unravel the link between the Brahmaputra of Assam and Tibet’s Tsangpo River. Other interesting river rafting routes include Kameng (Seppa-Bhalukpung), Subansiri (Taliha-North of Daporijo) and Dibang (Anini- Assam Border).