GOVERNOR’S SECRETARIAT
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
ITANAGAR

IPR (PR) 3/2009                                                                 Dated Naharlagun, Aug 4, 2009

PRESS RELEASE SL NO – 707

Showcase Arunachal through eco and adventure tourism: Governor

Itanagar, August 4: ‘Make Arunachal Pradesh come to national scene in adventure and eco tourism’, said Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh, while participating in the hiking expedition organized by Muskan Society in collaboration with department of Tourism at Banderdewa Area in Papum Pare district on Aug 2 last.

Interacting with the participants, Gen Singh pointed, Arunachal Pradesh got huge and natural pristine forest and we must have full use of these God gifted bounties to showcase our State to the world. It is one of the few biodiversity hotspots in the world and has huge potential for adventure and eco tourism. It is our bonded duty to preserve our green gold for our future, the Governor said while stressing against deforestation and destruction of flora and fauna.

            Large numbers of hikers, including thirty five students from VUKV Banderdewa and other schools, teachers, members of Muskan Society, including its member secretary Mamta Riba, senior officers of tourism and sports departments along with offers and personnel from Police Training Center, Banderdewa took part in it. Led by Secretary to Governor Amit Singla numbers of Raj Bhavan officials also participated, reports PRO to Governor.

Acknowledging the initiative of the Muskan Society which will go a long way in bridging the people with nature, Gen Singh said it is the first experimental effort by the Society in its promotion of eco and adventure tourism in the State. He expressed his hope that it will open the floodgate of such activities in the State.

Ace adventurer himself, he gave some useful hiking tips to the participant to be followed while in the nature. The General also exhorted them to avail maximum enjoyment from the nature, while respecting the natures ecosystem.

Urging the participants to march towards exploring rich flora & fauna amidst breathtaking natural beauty of the State, the State first lady and President Muskan Society, Anupama Singh, who flagged off the expedition said this is a small endeavour of Muskan Society to inculcate the spirit of adventure, appreciation for nature and care for our environment and mother earth. Students of different schools have also been made to participate in the event because these values must be impressed upon young minds at tender age. Our State of Arunachal Pradesh has huge potential for adventure tourism. Regular organizing of such events will go a long way in promoting adventure tourism in our State, she added. The first lady profusely extended gratitude to the department of Tourism and PTC, Banderdewa in making the event successful and beneficial to the children and to the participants.

Later interacting with media persons, Muskan President, informed that Muskan is an NGO, which is working for the cause of women empowerment, child care, health, education and upliftment of socially deprived people. She added, as it first initiative, Muskan has contributed in setting up of the Toy Train in Itanagar.

Tourism Director A.K. Singh highlighting on adventure tourism in the State informed that the State Government is promoting aero sports, like para sailing, para gliding, micro-light and ballooning along with aquatic sports like river rafting, kayaking and angling. Among the terrestrial sports, he said, it is promoting trekking, rock climbing, camping and mountaineering in addition to bird watching and wildlife safari within identified wild life sanctuaries like Namdapha and D.Ering.

Appreciating the Raj Bhavan and Muskan Society for taking initiatives in the promotion adventure sports, Tourism Director called for immediate identification the Hiking and trekking routes in the State as per the feasibility and viability to promote it in a big way.

The hiking started off from the PTC firing range, went inside the forest, climbing several hillocks, came down through numbers of slippery tracks, stopped at many view points and culminated near the Mandir. Making it more interesting, singing and other activity competitions amongst the students where conducted by Gen Singh himself. As always advocating for plastic free Arunachal, the Governor pointing at the throw away wrappers of sweets, plastic glass and bottles on the way by the participants said, if we dont stop it now, we will be leaving an environment full of plastic wastage for out future generation.

Personnel of PTC led by the Principal, Police Training Center, Banderdewa Chuku Appa made arranged of refreshments and rest points for all. The Governor, pleased by the arrangements, he make personal cash contribution towards Bara Khana for the personnel and trophy of Mishmi Pipe for the institution. The Governor, pleased by the arrangements, made personal cash contribution towards Bara Khana for the personnel and a trophy of Mishmi Pipe for the institution.

Sd/- Purabi Taikam, PRO