GOVERNOR’S SECRETARIAT
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
ITANAGAR

                                                           

No. IPR (PR)-03/2009                                                 Dated Naharlagun the 15th Feb. 2010

PRESS RELEASE No- 170

Tourism potentials of Gekar Sinyi must be promoted – Governor
Naval Survey team presents  interim  report on Gekar Sinyi
      

Itanagar, Feb. 13: In two to three years, we will put Arunachal Pradesh in the world tourism map, said State Governor Gen JJ Singh, while receiving the interim report of the survey carried out at Gekar Sinyi, a natural lake near Itanagar from Lt. Manoj Gawli, leader of the diving and survey team of Eastern Naval Command, Vishakhapatnam at
Raj Bhavan on yesterday. With the concerted effort of the State Government and all the stakeholders, we are leaving no stone unturned to discover many more hidden tourism potentials of the State. There are many more places, caves and water bodies, which are attached to myths, legends and beliefs. The survey of Gekar Sinyi is part of the Endeavour in this direction, he added, reports PRO to CM.

 This survey will be precedence for such activities in Arunachal Pradesh, as we have many more pristine lakes spread all over the State. It will not only help us to know the details of those untouched water bodies, but it will also help in tourism promotion, Gen Singh said.
 Accepting the report and going through the suggestions, Governor said that he will be taking up those suggestions with concerned people very soon. He was pleased to learn about the potential of the lake for water sports and other activities, such as water skiing and angling. Governor conveyed his gratefulness to Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff and Admiral Anup Singh, C-in-C, Eastern Naval Command, Vishakhapatnam for deputing the naval team to the State. He also extended invitation to naval personnel to the land locked Arunachal Pradesh.

Appreciating the proficiency of the naval expert team, Gen Singh suggested for training on water craftsmanship for Special force of State Police. With so many big rivers in the State and looking at the safety and security of the local people, we must have a team of personnel expert in diving and rescue operations. I am sure Indian Navy will come forward for the capacity building, he added. Lt. Gawli, while giving the detail report informed that the deepest point in the middle is 9.6 meters and there are huge deposit of trees. A 3D map of the entire lake is being prepared. He added, it is very good water sports such as water skiing and huge potential to be one of the best tourist attractions.

Lt Gawli, presented a memento of his Command to the Governor, who reciprocal with traditional Nyishi dao and Apatani shawl for every member of the team. He profusely thanked the Governor, the State Government and Tourism and Fisheries departments for providing the opportunity to come to the State and for all the logistic support and hospitality.

Armed with the scientifically prepared map of the Lake, the Governor made a tour of the whole Lake today. He also took a boat ride around the lake. Pointing at the abundant fishes in the lake, Gen Singh advocating for angling activities said, it should be done professionally, with prescribed norms and State Government must get revenue out of it.

Always concerned for clean environment and noting at the chip wrappers, plastic water bottles and other garbage, Gen Singh directed the Lake Caretaker, Sama Dodum to put bamboo made waste-bins on the path. He assured twenty such bins along with two special casted Waste-bins for the Lake from Raj Bhavan. We should be very strict on it, he said but added, it is cleaner than before. Interacting with picnickers from other parts of the State and some from Assam at the Lake, Gen Singh dwelt in length on the cleanliness and basic etiquettes on visiting places of tourist interest. We must have good restaurants here with proper toilet facilities. And it should be made of bamboo, not concert or cement, he further added. Advising Dodum to put in a dedicated effort, Gen Singh suggested him for procuring of paddle boats. It will draw large numbers of tourist and pickers of the capital city. Assuring his best, Dodum put forward some problems, such as lack of security, lighting and water supply, to which Governor assured positively. Tourism Director AK Singh along with Assistant Director Gedo Eshi, Adventure Tour operator Komkar Riba and his team were present during the visit.

 It may be mentioned here, during a visit to the Lake, Governor was surprised that very few people visit the area and it was not properly taken care. He initiated for its restoration with the help of concerned departments. To get the details of the Lake, its mapping and other aspects, he initiated in bringing the naval team for the survey work. The work was done from 6th to 11th February last.

Sd/ D.Dodum,PRO