MECHUKHA, Nov 23:Chief Minister Pema Khandu today declared open the 5^th edition of Adventure of Mechukha festival in presence of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Home Minister Kumar Waii, State BJP President Tapir Gao and Tourism Parliamentary Secretary PD Sona.

Khandu in his speech said that five years into the celebration of ‘Adventure at Mechukha festival’, a visible change could be seen on the ground. He said that the town that once lacked decent accommodation now has hotels, home stays and government tourist houses mushrooming. Khandu credited this visible change to local MLA PD Sona who had first conceived the idea of an adventure festival five years back.

Categorizing Arunachal into two economic zones – foothills and upper region, the Chief Minister said that the former due to its proximity to Assam and ease of connectivity have high scope for economic development. He said the people of upper region, such as, from Tawang, Ziro, Mechukha, however, has to depend on tourism as its primary economic activity and said the state government is taking important steps in development of this sector. He promised to bring in fixed wing aircraft service for Mechukha soon. 

For a permanent site for celebration of Adventure at Mechukha festival, the Chief Minister earlier in the morning laid the foundation stone for a festival ground that will have VIP & public gallery, parking lot and modern facilities. He thanked the Deputy Chief Minister for sanctioning of funds for construction of a new festival ground. 

He also thanked PHED Minister Bamang Felix for the water supply projects at Monigong Township and for the newly upgraded EAC headquarters at Tato. The Chief Minister had earlier laid its foundation stone. He also had laid foundation stone for construction of a new 150-metre permanent steel bridge over river Yargapchu to connect Singbir village. 

On demand for a new district for Mechukha sub-division, the Chief Minister appreciated the local MLA and the administration for the meticulous groundwork taking interests of all five tribes inhabiting the new proposed district. He informed that Tato has been proposed as the district headquarters as per local demands and the administrative approval for the district creation has been granted. 

Earlier the Chief Minister on the occasion released a coffee table on Mechuka tourism showcasing the natural beauty of the sub-division.

Deputy Chief Minister in his speech said that Mechuka has always been in disadvantageous situation due to connectivity issues, yet it has been able to promote itself successfully. He assured to support for Mechuka’s development at all level. The beauty of Mechukha is second to none and it must be promoted, he said. 

PD Sona in his welcome speech said that Mechukha has endured difficulties for years due to its remoteness and inaccessibility. However, the people of Mechukha through their hard work have been able to keep themselves in pace with development, he said. He said tourism is set to become major source of income for local people and hence appealed the people to be hospitable to any outsiders visiting the sub-division. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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