The government is doubling down on efforts to bolster tourism in the historic Kibithu-Walong sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, with a keen emphasis on enhancing roads, mobile connectivity, and infrastructure.
An additional amount of Rs 62 crore is planned under the Seema Darshan Project for these developments which will ensure military, nature, adventure, and cultural tourism, promising significant transformations in the entire Lohit Valley.
During the last few months, villages near LAC in Lohit Valley have seen changes under the Vibrant Village Programme and under initiatives by the Indian Army. This has ensured road connectivity to the last villages on both the east and west banks of the Lohit. This is going to improve further with inter-valley connectivity and mobile networks that are in progress.
Lailonsi Chaitom, who runs a small shop in Kibithu village, said: “We have seen major changes in the last few months, but internet connectivity remains our main demand. Tourists are coming, but all of them want to pay through UPI. Medical facilities, schools, sports complexes, and even pucca houses are being constructed by the government. The army helps us in every possible way, but with internet, life would become easier.”
According to government officials, a mobile network was one of the key requirements in the villages as only BSNL works here. Private players like Airtel and Jio have erected their towers in the valley, but they only cater to calling or text messages, and that too with limitations. While areas till Hayuliang are broadly connected with internet, the same is expected to be extended to forward villages with an OFC network.
“Under Universal Service Obligatory Funds, there is a provision for quality and affordable mobile and digital services across the rural and remote areas of the country. In Lohit, Anjaw, and Dibang districts, a total of 91 sites have been selected. While 31 sites are complete, 35 additional sites have also been proposed,” said a source in government establishments.
In terms of military importance, one cannot forget the Battle of Walong in 1962 which was fought on the west bank of the Lohit River in this area. Given that the area is rich in history, it has also been developed for military tourism. The Indian Army is further working on infrastructure development till the Line of Actual Control to ensure swift deployment and reinforcement if required in any contingency.
“In the last three years, habitats have been constructed for at least 1,600 troops. Six operational tracks of more than 25 kilometres, five helipads of Chinook standards, and multiple bridges have been constructed and are, in fact, under construction,” said the source.
Another major constraint was inter-valley connectivity. While there are many suspension bridges over Lohit River, the lack of concrete bridges has imposed limitations on load capacity and other logistical movements. However, the Border Roads Organisation is constructing two crucial bridges to ensure seamless east-west connectivity.
The first bridge, a 280m span Meshai Bridge at Km 5.50 on the Eastern Bank-Dichu road, is likely to be completed by June 2025, while the second one, a 320 m span Tinai Bridge at Km 14.50 on the Karoti-Tinai road, is likely to be completed by January 2025.
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