MIAO, OCT 31:
The 9th edition of the Namdapha Butterfly Festival 2026 began here on Saturday, with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity and tourism potential and calling for sustained efforts to promote Namdapha as a leading destination for eco-tourism and nature-based activities.
Attending the inaugural programme, Mein said the festival, which began in 2018, had the potential to evolve into a major tourism and research platform. He highlighted the opportunities offered by Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in eco-tourism, adventure activities, trekking, wildlife exploration and other nature-based experiences.
He emphasised the need to take the festival to a wider platform to draw greater attention to Namdapha and showcase Arunachal Pradesh’s natural and cultural diversity. He also called for greater participation of local communities and youth in tourism-related activities, reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure.
On the sidelines of the festival, Mein undertook a series of developmental engagements in Miao, focusing on sports infrastructure, healthcare and youth empowerment.
He inspected the ongoing construction of the Permanent State Sports Academy at Miao. The Phase-I project includes football and cricket fields, an eight-lane athletics track, a synthetic hockey field, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a multipurpose indoor sports hall, an auditorium, a physiotherapy and health centre, and hostel and residential facilities for athletes, coaches and staff.
During the inspection, Mein stressed the need to maintain construction quality and ensure timely completion. He said the academy would provide young sportspersons access to modern training facilities and create opportunities to develop their abilities and compete at higher levels.
He also inaugurated the Maternity and Child Care Centre under the Community Health Centre (CHC), Miao. Funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), the facility is expected to improve access to specialised maternal and child healthcare services in Changlang district. It will provide services in gynaecology and obstetrics, paediatrics and anaesthesiology.
Emphasising the importance of maternal and child health, Mein said strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in remote and underserved areas, remained a priority of the government.
Later, he inaugurated the Youth Activity and Development Centre at Miao, funded under the 2021–22 Budget Announcement and executed by the Urban Affairs Department, Jairampur Division. The centre aims to provide young people with a dedicated space to pursue constructive activities, explore their interests and develop their skills.
Mein also felicitated young badminton players from Miao subdivision for their achievements at the recently concluded Dorjee Khandu Memorial Badminton Championship 2026. Taba Akam and Takar Rai secured silver in the Under-17 boys’ doubles, while Taba Akam and Lemru Mossang won silver in the Under-17 mixed doubles. Lemru Mossang also bagged bronze in the Under-17 girls’ singles.
Congratulating the players, Mein appreciated their dedication and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence and inspiring other young athletes.
Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, Chief Minister’s Advisor Kamlung Mosang, Forest Minister’s Advisor Wanglin Lowangdong, Nampong MLA Laisam Simai, and PCCF (Wildlife and Biodiversity) and Chief Wildlife Warden Samuel Changkija, among others, were present.
