Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu on December 20 attended the celebration of Siang River Festival, Siang chapter of the Brahmaputra Utsav in Pasighat in presence of his cabinet colleagues and legislators.
Speaking at the inaugural event of the festival, CM Khandu hoped that the festival will go a long way in spreading awareness on river rejuvenation and conservation.
He said that the festival is an opportunity to showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage of the local tribes and to promote eco-tourism activities in the region.
On repeated threats from floodwaters of Siang river during the monsoon, CM Pema Khandu assured for measures to protect, maintain and stabilize the riverbanks of Siang river to prevent it from causing erosion and floods.
He said it is important that the flow of Siang river is kept in control to prevent loss of properties and damages to agriculture fields. Also, the CM expressed keen on having discussions with the local community for protection of Siang river.
Deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, MLA Kaling Moyong, Brahmaputra Board chairperson Rajiv Yadav, CS Naresh Kumar and DC East Siang Kinny Singh also spoke on the occasion.
The two-day mega event is being organized by state government in collaboration with the Brahmaputra Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The main objective of the festival is to generate awareness on river cleaning, rejuvenation, rainwater harvesting, tourism development etc.
It is being celebrated with the theme of river rejuvenation, freedom struggle and eco-tourism as part of the continuing celebration of 75th years of India’s Independence, portraying country’s freedom struggle based on the theme “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
The event witnessed cultural presentations by the folk artistes from various Northeast states under the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC).
