MIAO, Oct 31: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein today undertook a series of developmental activities in Miao under Changlang district, focusing on multidimensional aspects, including strengthening sports infrastructure, improving healthcare services, empowering youth and promoting the region’s tourism potential.
Attending the 9th edition of the Namdapha Butterfly Festival, an event celebrating the region’s exceptional biodiversity and natural heritage, Mein opined that the festival, launched in 2018 with a humble beginning, has considerable potential to evolve into a major tourism and research platform, and highlighted Namdapha National Park cum Tiger Reserve’s opportunities in eco-tourism, adventure activities, trekking, wildlife exploration and other nature-based experiences.
The Dy CM emphasised the need to take the festival to a larger platform to bring greater attention to Namdapha and showcase Arunachal Pradesh’s rich natural and cultural diversity to a wider audience. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, strengthening tourism infrastructure and encouraging greater participation of local communities and youth in tourism-related activities.
Observing that Namdapha’s extraordinary biodiversity and tourism potential deserve greater recognition and sustained promotion, he called for collective efforts to position Arunachal Pradesh as a leading destination for nature-based eco-tourism.
Earlier, Mein inspected the ongoing construction of the Permanent State Sports Academy at Miao.
The Phase-I project includes a football and cricket field, an eight-lane athletic track, a synthetic hockey field, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a multipurpose indoor sports hall, an auditorium, a physiotherapy and health centre, along with hostel and residential facilities for athletes, coaches and staff.
During the inspection, Mein emphasised the importance of maintaining construction quality and ensuring timely completion of the project.
He also inaugurated the Maternity and Child Care Centre under Community Health Centre (CHC), Miao. Funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), the facility is an important addition to the healthcare infrastructure of Changlang district and is expected to improve access to specialised maternal and child healthcare services.
Later, Mein also inaugurated the Youth Activity and Development Centre at Miao, funded under the Budget Announcement 2021–22 and executed by the Urban Affairs Department, Jairampur Division.
On the occasion, Mein felicitated young achievers from Miao Sub-Division for their showing at the recently concluded Dorjee Khandu Memorial Badminton Championship 2026, namely Taba Akam and Takar Rai (secured silver in Under-17 boys’ doubles), Akam and Lemru Mossang (won silver in U-17 mixed doubles), while Mossang secured bronze in U-17 girls’ singles.
Congratulating the players, Mein appreciated their dedication and hard work, encouraging them to continue pursuing excellence and inspiring other young athletes.
Among others, State Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, Advisor to Chief Minister Kamlung Mosang, Advisor to Forest Minister Wanglin Lowangdong, MLA Nampong Laisam Simai and PCCF (Wildlife & Biodiversity) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Samuel Changkija were also present. (Dy CM’s media cell)