Mechuka has every potential to become a tourist hub: Rathore

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore today praised Mechuka in West Siang district for its potential to come up as a major tourism destination in the country.

"Efforts can be made to start passenger air services to this part of the country after making it as a tourist hub. Documentary on its beauty potential and rich culture is essential and my Ministry will be eager to look into that aspect," he said after declaring the three-day Adventure@Mechuka open which, went off to a flying start in Mechuka Valley on the banks of Yagyapsu River.

The Union Minister presented a motorcycle to Mechuka Police Station on behalf of Itanagar-based Halo Society and released the festival calendar, an official release said.
 

Union MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju, who was also present on the occasion, said "The phase of development could not be quickened due to political instability for the last one and half years. Now the Centre is in unison with the state government and development will be fast tracked within two years and an amount of Rs 500 crore will be specially earmarked for development of tourism in the state."

The three-day mega fest was being organised by the state tourism department in partnership with Union Tourism Ministry along with event partner the Centre for Cultural Research and Documentation (CCRD) to promote adventure tourism and expose Mechuka as a potential tourist destination.

Greeting the people on the occasion Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal East Constituency Ninong Ering said organising such a festival was appreciable and people from all walks of life should join such festivities shedding political differences.

"The Look East Policy of the Centre should be followed in letter and spirit," he said.

Dwelling at length on the background of the festival, local MLA Passang Dorjee Sona said tourism could be a big industry in a place like Mechuka where big industries cannot come up up due to the tough terrain.

"A holistic approach is needed for development of tourism," Sona said.

A variety of traditional folk songs and dances were presented by troupes from monks of Dong, Ningluk CHAM, Ramo, Memba, Aaya, Bo Aao, Bokar, Tato, AMSU, Donyi Polo and Tagin cultural Troups.

The three-day extravaganza was poised to offer a wide range of activities starting from Quad Biking, Zorbing, Rappeling Horse, Riding, Para Sailling, Para Gliding, PPC, Micro Lite, Water Zorbing, Rafting, River Crossing, Angiling, Trap Shooting, Air Rifle, Air Pistol and Archery.