Almost every tourist made a beeline to be part of every event - rock climbing, rafting, river crossing, gliding, trap shooting - on the concluding day of the three-day Adventure Festival on Saturday before PWD, Finance and Planning Minister Chowna Mein declared it closed.
"There are very few picturesque places like Menchukha in the world which could beat even Tawang. I have travelled all over the world but hardly have seen any place like yours," said Mein in his address.
Communication - road, air, tele - are essential for the all-round development of any place. A beginning has been made by local legislator and Tourism Parliamentary Secretary P D Sona, he said and assured all possible help for expediting the process.
"Arunachal is passing through a transition. From five districts, the number has increased to 15 and four districts are awaiting the Governor's approval. I've given my consent to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for making Menchukha a separate district in 2014 provided the people support the ruling Congress party and re-elect Sona," Mein said while blowing the poll bugle for 2014 assembly elections.
The GoAP is committed to channelize the youth power by giving skill development to fulfil a target of generating one-lakh jobs in five years, Mein said.
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The rich traditional culture, art and crafts are dying which should be popularised to protect them from extinction while researchers have termed Arunachal a paradise for them. These aspects are part of tourism potential of the state, he said and called for organizing such festival in various parts of the state to boost local economy.
ADC Ravi Dhawan expressed confidence that this event would put Menchkha in global tourism map.
However, Indian idol superstar Amit Paul after driving non-stop since landing at Guwahati International Airport from Bangladesh on Friday evening took Menchukha to climax in the evening with thunderous applause from the gathering, punctuated by traditional Yak and Lion dances. The melodious voice of local artist Jambey Thupten, popularly known as Brokpa, rent the air throughout the festival. The locals jostle among each other to have a seat since 3 p.m.
The festival had brought a new ray of hope for the locals. Woman traders Drema Naksang, a wine shop owner and Drema Naksang, a stationary store owner, were very excited.
"We did brisk business. The festival should be made an annual event for people to visit this far off land. We would welcome them with warm hospitality," both of them said with excitement.
But a passerby commented that the most sought after items were petroleum products and foreign liquor. The man was correct as empty bottles were found everywhere in the venue.
However, for want of a petroleum depot, West Siang deputy commissioner M K Sahu had procured 1200 litres of petrol and 200 litres of diesel which were completely exhausted. However, the township is fed by 500-kw Siri Korong mini hydel project located at Lhallung, about 13 km from here. But the power requirement tripled as DG sets were brought from outside. The 150-kw Menchukha mini hydel project is under renovation to provide relief, said hydropower JE Gyati Moda.
Everyone had all praise for the local MLA, festival organizing committee and festival director Moji Riba for making all possible arrangement for the grand show in remote Menchukha, 180 km away from district HQ Aalo and located along the India-China border.
Ten bike riders of Aalo-based @30Nroth Club arrived here on Friday evening while spreading awareness of TB to be part of the festival to the excitement of the locals.
"The trap shooting received the highest response," commented Guwahati-based Assam Rifle and Shooting Association general secretary Bhaba Kalita, who has been here heading thee-member committee.
"The festival has been very exciting and conducted in a grand manner. The festival committee deserves all praises for the arrangement with personal touch. This festival should be made a regular feature to showcase the huge tourism potential of Arunachal, Menchukha in particular," Kalita said.
Mein on his arrival inaugurated the extension of the inspection bungalow constructed by the PWD in presence of Sona, former minister P W Sona and senior officers.
The most striking feature was Menchukha written by the PWD atop the Tsangang La and the Army provided assistance to the festival.
