Arunachal CM Asks Centre to Develop Historical Sites

PTI | Jan 13, 2012


Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has requested the Centre to help in development and preservation of the state’s historical and holy sites and provide assistance in promotion of its rich art and culture.

Calling on Union Minister for Culture Kumari Selja, who also holds the portfolio of Housing and Poverty Elevation, at New Delhi yesterday, Tuki emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh with its vast and unexplored historical and mysterious background has a potential in promoting tourism through its historical sites and mythological importance, official sources said here today.

He urged the Ministry of Culture to facilitate conduction of surveys and investigations so that the existing historical sites in the state can be listed as heritage sites or come under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

To point out a few, he cited the ruins of Itafort in the state capital, Malinithan at Likabali, Parasuram Kund in Lohit, Taklung Dzong near Kalaktang as well as the recently discovered huge Shiv Ling near Ziro in Lower Subansiri district.

The chief minister observed that if all the sites of historical and religious importance in the state are developed and maintained, religious and historical tourism would flourish, which in return would generate employment and income for the local people, sources said.

Tuki, who has been extensively touring the districts of the state since he took over charge, expressed the need for having one museum and if possible a cultural centre in each district.

While urging the Union Minister to allow establishment of new or extension of the existing museums in the district, he, however, emphasized that libraries in every district is a must.

The Chief Minister sought assistance for establishment of libraries in all 17 districts of the state, the sources said quoting Tuki.

Talking about the rich and diverse culture of the state, Tuki also urged for a Regional Cultural Centre at Itanagar.

He said a Center of such kind would provide a common platform for cultural activities including promotion, research and documentation.

“This would also serve as a performing venue for the various tribes of the state that number more than hundred,” he added.

Kumar Selja, who gave a patient hearing to Tuki, assured to take up the requests on priority with concerned officials of the ministry.

She hoped that soon her ministry would come out with concrete plans to fulfill the aspirations of the state, sources added.

Arunachal to be promoted as wellness destination

TNN | Jan 23, 2012, 05.52AM IST

GUWAHATI: The Centre is exploring new ways to promote Arunachal Pradesh as a wellness destination for tourists. With pristine surroundings, salubrious environment and rich repository of traditional medicines, tourism officials believe that Arunachal Pradesh has all that it takes to become popular with travellers from across the country.

"Arunachal Pradesh - with its rich wildlife, cultural richness and pristine landscape - has the potential to attract tourists interested in wildlife, adventure, ecologu or culture. As wellness tourism is becoming popular in the country, Arunachal can successfully be promoted as a complete destination," a tourism official said.

With 68% of Arunachal Pradesh's geographical area covered by forests, wildlife, eco-tourism and adventure tourism are other niche products that could be marketed. However, experts said that inadequate infrastructure and lack of proper marketing are some of the major hurdles in exploiting Arunachal's tourism potential.

And with an increasing number of well-heeled travellers looking out for rejuvenating holidays and alternative healthcare destinations, the state has all that it needs. "The state's ethnic groups have a rich tradition in folk medicines. And its green surroundings and pristine landscape are perfect to package the place as wellness tourism product," the official said.

Prepared by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in 2010, the tourism development plan for Arunachal Pradesh also emphasisesoon the state's potential to emerge as a global destination for indigenous healthcare.

"The pristine, pollution-free environment of Arunachal Pradesh, along with its repertoire of traditional medicines, provide the right combination to be the wellness-cum-rejuvenation destination for tourists seeking to experience indigenous medicines of the tribal communities," INTACH said.