MEDO, February 13: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein joined the celebrations of the Tamladu Festival 2024 of the Mishmi community in Medo village and also inaugurated infrastructural assets, including boundary walls, a stage with a dais, a sitting hall and a dining & kitchen building at the Tamla-Du Festival ground on Tuesday.
Applauding the executing agencies for the timely completion of the infrastructure, Mein noted that the permanent structure will be beneficial for cutting down on recurring expenses associated with setting up make-shift arrangements to accommodate large gatherings and organize functions during festivals. He also assured that the construction of a permanent shed for the local Puja Mandap (prayer hall) within the premises along with the concrete pavement of the festival ground will be soon added to the pipeline.
Mein also stated that the period from around December to April is filled with a plethora of vibrant festivals of the diverse tribal communities all around Arunachal Pradesh, such as the Poi Pee Mau, Reh, Losar, Boori Boot Yullo, Shapawng Yawng Manau, Ali Aye Ligang, Mopin and so on. He talked about the potential of building cultural tourism in the State, as per his recent discussion with the Advisor of Rural Tourism & Homestays, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Raj Basu. These festivals play a major role in preserving the traditional heritage of the indigenous communities and offer a wide spectrum of local customs, delicacies, etc. to be explored by tourists.
In addition, the Government plans to double the funding allocated to the Department of Indigenous Affairs for the continued preservation and promotion of culture. At the gathering, Mein also relayed the vision of PM Modi towards realizing the fullest potential of all Northeastern states, without which India’s greater development will remain incomplete.
Taking Arunachal Pradesh as a prime example of development in the NE region, the Deputy Chief Minister underscored the progress made in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, hydropower, etc. over the past couple of years under the Khandu-led BJP Government, with constant support from the Central Government With a 136% rise in GSDP, more than 104% growth in per capita income, 172% surge in States Own Revenue (SOR), and 136% increase in GST revenue collection, compounded with other strategic factors, Arunachal Pradesh happens to be among the top performing states in North East India in terms of financial management, he said.
From FY 2015-16 up till now, a total of 19863 km of all-weather roads have been constructed, out of which 2482 km of roads form part of the National Highway. The road density has also increased from 36.65 km per sq km to 65.99 km per sq km during this tenure. The recently sanctioned funds towards the ambitious Frontier Highway (NH 913) as stated by Union Minister of Road & Transport Nitin Gadkari entails a total of Rs 6362.23 Cr, covering a total of 295.84 km of the NH-913.
In Lohit district, the tender for the construction project connecting Brahma Kund to Chowkham has already opened, and construction work will be started soon.
He also informed that so far, a total of Rs 37 cr has been utilized towards the development of the Parshuram Kund under PRASAD scheme by GoI. He also stated that the DoNER Ministry has agreed to grant another Rs. 50 Cr towards the cause. And the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh will invest an additional Rs. 50 Cr for the development, taking the total budget to a staggering Rs. 137 Cr. Plans including riverfront development, guest houses, dharamshalas, etc.
In terms of harnessing the hydropower potential of the State, the recently inked MoAs with Central PSUs worth 12500 MW is poised to increase the purchasing power of the locals. He said that after the completion of these hydropower projects, Arunachal Pradesh will have the highest per capita income.
The festival was also graced by MLAs Mutchu Mithi and Jummum Ete Deori; along with ZPCs Dasula Krishikro and Urmila Mancheykhun, former Minister Nakul Chai, former MLA Sokio Dellang, Govt Officers, PRI Leaders and GBs, among others.