A major chunk of the eastern Himalayas falls in Arunachal Pradesh, but unlike its sister state- Sikkim, Adventure Tourism is yet to grow roots in the state.
Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most unexplored areas of the Himalayas has an incredible prospect to promote tourism industry through adventure sports. Trekking here can provide a rare wilderness experience. But that is all rhetoric without a mountain policy of its own.
Unlike Nepal and closer home Sikkim, Arunachal doesn’t have its own mountain policy, which could bring in revenue and facilitate adventure tourism which is a booming business, the world over. Till date, permission to carryout expedition in the state is routed through the Home Ministry which deters many mountaineering enthusiasts keen on climbing Arunachal’s pristine mountain peaks.
Mount Gorichen in Tawang district is one of the technically difficult peaks of the world to climb owing to its terrain, rock face, avalanche and crevasse zones and ice wall and at 6488 m above sea level is an adrenaline rush and challenge for people who like a sport which is indeed a sheer test of grit and endurance. This peak can become a major economic driver for the state if adventure tourism is given due attention.
Nepal for instance owes major part of its tourism revenue to Mount Everest, which receives more than $3.5 million from Everest climbing permits annually.
There is a need for the state machinery to address this loophole at the earliest. Chief Minister Pema Khandu had recently stressed on finalization of the State Mountaineering Policy and we hope this is done sooner than later.
Rudimentary nature of adventure sports aside, Arunachal is also home to proud everesters — Tapi Mra, Anshu Jamsenpa and Tine Mena and the state government must use their wisdom and experience in ensuring formulation of a mountaineering policy which will serve the state best.
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