State News

DOLIKOTO : Commerce and Industries minister Nyato Dukam on Saturday inaugurated the administrative block of the Rongoge Mega Food Park at Dolikoto here, marking a significant milestone in the frontier state’s stride toward industrialisation and value-added agro-processing. Following the inauguration, the minister inspected the state-of-the-art infrastructure within the facility, including the Rongoge Animal Feed Plant and various common processing hubs. Reaffirming the state government’s unwavering commitment to the project, Dukam stated that Chief Minister Pema Khandu is committed to ensure that the park becomes a model for local industrial development. Describing the project as a defining step in Arunachal Pradesh’s economic transformation, the minister said, “With this Mega Food Park, Arunachal Pradesh has started walking towards industrialisation. We may not be running yet, but we are certainly no longer crawling.” Emphasising the importance of economic self-reliance, Dukam observed that sustainable industrial development is essential to strengthen the state’s internal revenue base. “We cannot depend on financial assistance from the Central government indefinitely. Projects like this will help create employment, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote value addition to our agricultural produce,” he said. The lead promoter of the Rongoge Mega Food Park, Likha Maj, highlighted the enormous investment potential of the project. He said that around 35 industries, including brands such as Haldiram and Varun Beverages, are expected to establish manufacturing units within the park. Maj said that while road connectivity has been established, securing an uninterrupted power supply and adequate water infrastructure remain critical for the park’s optimal operation. Once these utilities are fully secured, the park will emerge as a game-changing ecosystem for the region, he added. Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek lauded the project’s promoters and assured full cooperation to develop the facility into one of the country’s premier food processing hubs, urging line departments to work in close coordination. Developed under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the mega food park features modern infrastructure, including cold storage, warehousing, quality control laboratories, and logistics support. The facility aims to significantly boost market linkages for local farmers and entrepreneurs by adding value to regional agricultural and horticultural commodities.    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT : Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak on Saturday visited flood-affected areas in Lower Siang and East Siang districts to assess the extensive damage caused by recent cloudburst-triggered floods and assured the affected people that he would pursue the Centre for a separate and special relief package. Tagak first visited flood-hit villages in Koyu and Korang circles, where he interacted with affected families and reviewed the extent of the damage. He was accompanied by Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu, Zilla Parishad Member Ramle Banggo, Extra Assistant Commissioner Marngam Kakki, representatives of the Adi Baane Kebang, Panchayati Raj Institution leaders and other officials. Expressing concern over the widespread destruction, the MP advised residents to avoid consuming water from flood-affected rivers because of the risk of contamination and possible disease outbreaks. He also urged people to stay away from riverbanks until conditions normalise. Tagak announced that he would urge the Central government to sanction a separate relief package for the flood-ravaged region. As an immediate measure, he donated Rs 7 lakh towards relief for the affected people of the Nari-Koyu constituency. Later, the MP visited Boying village under Pasighat circle, where he inspected areas damaged by flooding along the Sibo Korong river. He was accompanied by Pasighat Additional Deputy Commissioner Pebika Lego, Water Resources Department officials, Arunachal Baane Kebang President Tanon Tatak, State Bharatiya Janata Party Vice President Dunggoli Libang, party spokesperson Tobom Dai and local community leaders. During a meeting with villagers, Gaon Burahs, Gaon Burihs and Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, Tagak assured them that he would strongly pursue a special Central relief package to facilitate early restoration of damaged infrastructure and rehabilitation of affected families. Recalling his long association with Pasighat through social and public welfare activities, Tagak said the town has historically been the centre of Arunachal Pradesh’s political and intellectual movements and that visiting the flood-affected areas was among his foremost priorities.      

PANGIN : The first batch of the Short-Term Course on Basic Hospitality and Homestay Management, organised by Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Pangin under the Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, concluded successfully on Saturday after a six-day training programme. Conducted from July 6 to 11, the inaugural batch comprised 25 participants from Siang, West Siang and East Siang districts, reflecting the growing interest in homestay tourism and demand for structured skill development in the hospitality sector. The participants underwent both theoretical and practical training covering homestay operations, housekeeping, guest relations, menu planning and pricing, food and beverage service, grooming and personal hygiene, safety and disaster preparedness, first aid, sustainable and community-based tourism, and digital marketing. Hands-on sessions included professional bed-making, table setting, service etiquette, tray service, hospitality role-plays, guest interaction, and demonstrations on the use of fire extinguishers and emergency response procedures. The programme emphasised experiential learning to equip participants with practical skills and confidence to deliver quality hospitality services while promoting professionalism, hygiene, safety and customer satisfaction. The Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said such initiatives aim to extend skill development opportunities beyond conventional institutional training, strengthen local capacities, improve service standards, generate sustainable livelihood opportunities, and support the growth of Arunachal Pradesh’s tourism and hospitality sector. The successful completion of the inaugural batch marks the beginning of similar training programmes that Government ITI Pangin plans to organise in the future to develop skilled manpower for the state’s expanding tourism industry. (DIPR)      

TAWANG : Preparations have begun for the 14th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2026, which will be jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism and the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Tourism in Tawang during the last week of October. A preliminary coordination meeting was held at the Circuit House here on Saturday to draw up a roadmap for the successful conduct of the event. The meeting was attended by Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Union Ministry of Tourism Deputy Director General R K Suman, Deputy Director General Bharati K Sharma, Assistant Director Amit Raj, Arunachal Pradesh Department of Tourism Deputy Director Bengia Manna Sonam, District Tourism Officer Tsering Deki, Tourism Information Officer Tenzin Tsamche, Assistant Protocol Officer Sange Tsering, Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association General Secretary Sangey Tsering, and representatives of Ashoka Events. The participants reviewed key logistical and operational aspects, including accommodation, transportation, venue readiness, security, hospitality, event management and the proposed programme schedule. They also discussed measures to ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders and provide a memorable experience for delegates and visitors. As part of the preparations, officials from the Union Ministry of Tourism and the state Tourism Department conducted a detailed recce of the Guwahati-Tawang route to assess logistical requirements and improve the overall visitor experience. The team also inspected major venues and facilities, including Vivanta Tawang, Kalawangpo Convention Hall, PTSO and other key locations to assess infrastructure and preparedness. The return of the International Tourism Mart to Tawang, after it was last hosted in 2013, is expected to provide a major platform to showcase the district’s Himalayan landscape, Monpa culture, Buddhist heritage, hospitality and potential for adventure, eco and spiritual tourism. The event is expected to bring together senior government officials, tourism professionals, travel trade representatives, investors, media personnel and delegates from India and abroad, creating opportunities for tourism promotion, business networking and sustainable economic growth. Officials expressed confidence that with coordinated planning and active community participation, Tawang would successfully host the international event and further strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s position as a leading tourism destination. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik has called for a comprehensive state tea policy and urged planters to form a representative corporation to help unlock the state’s vast potential for premium organic tea production. He also assured that coordinated efforts by the Tea Board and the state government would strengthen the sector through financial support, quality certification, branding and better market access. A delegation of the Arunachal Pradesh Small Tea Growers’ Association, led by its president Tadak Gab and general secretary Kapwang Arangham, called on the governor at Lok Bhawan on Thursday to discuss the progress, challenges and future prospects of tea cultivation in the state, a statement informed on Friday. The delegation sought the governor’s support for establishing an organic certification facility and a tea auction centre, formulation of a state tea policy and a special support package for the tea-growing districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding. Parnaik said the state has immense potential to produce high-quality organic tea and can make a significant contribution to rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth, particularly in the eastern and foothill districts. He stressed the need for a vibrant and forward-looking State Tea Policy to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth. The governor also advised tea growers to establish a representative corporation and approach the state government with a comprehensive proposal outlining their requirements and long-term vision. He also encouraged growers to focus on quality improvement, organic cultivation, value addition and branding to create a distinct identity for Arunachal tea in national and international markets. (Source: PTI)