ITANAGAR, March 17 � The maiden �Arunachal Spring Carnival-2015� got under way at the picturesque Sile-Reging today with Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma declaring the three-day mega tourism festival open.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said the Siang belt, along the mighty Siang river bank, 4 kms away from Pasighat, is blessed with immense potential to attract domestic and international tourists and exuded hope that the three-day carnival would help showcase the colourful and diverse culture of Arunachal Pradesh thereby promoting tourism sector.
Besides citing prospects of �homestay� involving local communities in all tourism initiatives, the Governor said the mighty Siang not only provides livelihood to the people, but also a unique playground for water sports, like in Colorado. If properly tapped, these would open the floodgate of tourists to Arunachal, he observed.
�We can also improve our tourism sector by taking care of a few important factors, such as road, rail and air connectivity and accommodation facilities with clean and hygienic food, ATM kiosks, handicraft and local crafts sales facilities, etc. The day is not far, when we will have largest number of tourists coming to Siang belt as their favourite destination,� added Lt Gen Sharma in his address.
Also present at the inaugural function were Tourism Minister Pema Khandu, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Mama Natung, DIG (Eastern Range) LH Shanliana and East Siang DC Nidhi Srivastava, among others.
At the inaugural function, a multi-ethnic cultural programme by various troupes from across the State performed, winning applause from the gathering. Traditional cultural show, white water rafting, angling, fashion show, ethnic food stalls, etc., are the major attractions of the three-day carnival.
