CM Kalikho Pul Unveils State Tourism Development Plan before the Centre
New Delhi
Arunachal Chief Minister Kalikho Pul called on Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma and unveils his “State Tourism Development Plan” .
According to the CM, tourism promotion could not be achieved by merely building guesthouses and circuit house at the tourism site. Such efforts have to keep in mind the kind of facilities detailed along the tourist circuit.
Unveiling his plan, the CM proposed to develop the circuit from the entry points along Assam-Arunachal border up to the tourist destination. At every entry points, there will be an integrated border check posts, equipped with tourist facilitation centre, hotels, motels, drinking water facilities, way side amenities, parking lot, cafeteria, toilets, police beat post and handicraft emporium and parking place. Also to encourage local artisans, craftsmen and farmers, the check gate will also have an emporium to sell local products, he said.
The CM further informed that proposed tourist circuits would provide wayside amenities at every 50-60 km points with all facilities to assist the travellers. These waysides amenities will be set up at vantage points in potential areas with scenic beauty.
Also the CM informed that state government is making efforts to make easily available inner-line permits (ILP) and the restricted area permit (RAP). For that to achieve, he informed that entry check gate at the state’s border will have provision to issue the permits “on-arrival”.
On improving air services in Arunachal, the CM requested to expedite the process of connecting and improving helicopter services for all the district headquarters. During monsoon, several places in Arunachal get cut-off and it is during such critical time, air service is highly essential to lift emergency patients, stranded passengers and immediate evacuation of flood and other disaster victims.
Also the CM requested the minister for one-time waiver of all pending dues for helicopter service in Arunachal, to which the minister agreed to consider it.
Speaking on to promote art & culture, the CM said all efforts are being made in promotion of the state’s unique culture and traditions. These traditions when given adequate exposure to outside world can bring back good economic returns for the state, he said. Therefore, the CM requested the minister to help develop cultural centres at all district headquarters, where the local cultural items could be showcased for outside visitors and tourists.
Appreciating the novel plan of the state government in tourism sector, the minister assured to provide all financial support in developing tourism industry in the state.