Walong: Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister, Chowna Mein, on Tuesday reaffirmed his dedication to placing Anjaw prominently on India’s tourism map while highlighting the region’s potential to allure high-end tourists due to its captivating landscapes and abundant flora and fauna.
During a public gathering in the area, the deputy chief minister put forth a proposal for the formulation of a novel tourism policy for Arunachal Pradesh. He also suggested the establishment of a tourist circuit in the eastern sector, connecting various tourist destinations.
In addition, Mein encouraged the local youth to explore opportunities within the hospitality sector, emphasizing the availability of government-subsidized schemes like the Deendayal Upadhyay Yojana and CM’s Paryathan Vikas Yojna.
He also encouraged them to participate in agriculture and allied sectors, given the region’s suitability for agriculture and horticulture.
Furthermore, as part of the inauguration of the Civil Terminal Building at Walong ALG, Mein announced the introduction of regular helicopter and Dornier services. This initiative is expected to benefit not only the defense personnel stationed in the border area but also the local civilian population.
Deputy Chief Minister Mein also pledged the government’s commitment to providing digital connectivity in the border region under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
Notably, 4G Airtel towers were launched in Kaho, Musai, and Kibithoo villages during the Union Home Minister’s visit last April, and internet connectivity via OFC would soon be available at the district headquarters, Hawai, from November 4.
Mein further assured that he would consider the demands raised by the Hayuliang MLA and Anjaw ZPC in a phased manner.
In another public meeting held in Kaho, known as the first village of India, Mein expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for recognizing border villages, including Kibithoo and Kaho Village in Anjaw, as the first villages under the Vibrant Village Programme.
He commended the Central leadership for their affection and kindness towards Arunachal Pradesh.
Mein also acknowledged the efforts of Hayuliang MLA, Dasanglu Pul, the Anjaw district administration and all departmental officers for their timely project completions.
Responding to the demands from the local community in Kaho, Mein pledged to address issues related to a sub-center, a retaining wall to protect a Gompa and the revalidation of funds under ArSRLM for livelihood generation.
The deputy chief minister urged the villagers to maintain friendly relations with the defense personnel stationed in the area and cooperate with them and provide assistance in border security. Mein personally visited the Border Personnel Meeting Complex at Wacha, the easternmost border post of India and later interacted with the defense personnel from the 20th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment and ITBP in Kaho village.
He praised the vigilance and dedication of the armed forces in safeguarding the border.
During his visit, Brigadier R Bhandari proposed a development project to transform Walong and other border villages into a tourism hub, to which deputy chief minister assured his consideration.
Mein also inspected the under-construction 350-meter span Tinai RCC permanent bridge over the Lohit River, which will connect Walong with Tinai and other villages on the right side of the river.
The day also saw the deputy chief minister inaugurate a slew of developmental projects across various villages, including Walong, Tinai, Kibithoo, Musai and Kaho.
The inaugurated projects encompass a diverse range of developments, including a civil terminal building at Walong ALG, Tinai community hall, a 30-bed girl’s hostel at Government Secondary School in Walong, RCC view points at Tilam and Bara Kundun and a new school building for the Middle School Kibithoo.
Mein also inaugurated a medical labor room, solar street lights and badminton court at Kibithoo under the Vibrant Village Programme.
A basketball court, a new middle school building and solar street lights in Musai Model Village and a school library in Kaho Model Village were also inaugurated by the deputy chief minister.
Among others, Khonsa West MLA, Chakat Aboh, ZPC Soblem Pul and Anjaw deputy commissioner Talo Jerang were present on the occasion.
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