GUWAHATI:
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on December 6 inaugurated the fifth edition of BasCon (Basar Confluence) Festival organised by Gumin Rigo Kilaju (GRK) at Basar in Leparada district.
BasCon is a confluence of arts and culture that celebrate the heritage and local communities in the town of Basar in Leparada district in the state.
In his address, the Chief Minister complimented Gumin Rigo Kilaju (GRK), a community-initiated movement, for successfully organizing the Basar Confluence festival, popularly termed as BasCon, every year.
“The BasCon festival is a celebration of contemporary as well as traditional and folk art, a showcase of the unique culture of the Galo tribe through traditional dance and music, it is a festival of tribal food and tribal sports and our connection with Mother Nature,” he said.
Emphasising on conservation of the environment and the rich biodiversity of the region, Khandu said the celebration of BasCon is a perfect platform to spread the message.
He said that the conservation model and development model, powered by energy and the vision of GRK should become a role model not only for the state but for the world.
“GRK-led initiative like BASCON, and other conservation-based development methods has led to sustainable growth. The state government will extend support to all such initiatives wherever required. Our doors are always open for organizations like GRK and events like BRUTE,” Khandu said.
Foreseeing tremendous growth in the tourism industry in the region, especially with events like BASCON and BRUTE, Khandu encouraged people to establish homestays.
He also called upon businessmen of the area to invest in establishing well-equipped hotels and tie up with reputed hotel chains.
“Connectivity is the only issue. I assure you that I will personally review and monitor the under-construction Likabali-Basar road and ensure no more delay and is completed as soon as possible,” he said.
On the occasion, Khandu also handed over the official notification for opening the Divisional Commissioner (Central) headquarters at Pagi in Basar circle to local legislator Gokar Basar and Deputy Commissioner Mamta Riba.
The State Cabinet has decided to set up the Divisional Commissioner (Central) headquarters at Pagi for ease of governance and to provide easy access to government services.
The Divisional Commissioner (Central) will have administrative jurisdiction over Leparada, Shi Yomi, Lower Siang, Upper Subansiri and West Siang districts. Two Divisional Commissioner offices – one each for Eastern and Western zones are already functional at Namsai and Yachuli respectively.
Congratulating the people, Khandu said that it was a long pending request of the representatives and community-based organizations of all the five districts, which the Cabinet approved in a recent sitting and notification issues on November 25.
“We are committed to taking governance as closer to the people as possible. With the Divisional Commissioner’s office at Basar, reaching Itanagar for all administrative purposes will longer remain a burden,” Khandu said.
Affirming that his government is not confined to announcements, Khandu assured that soon he would return to lay the foundation stone of the Commissionerate and personally ensure the timely creation of all requisite infrastructure.
“I am glad to know that people have already earmarked a suitable plot of land for the purpose and even agreed to donate the same free of cost,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister on Monday inaugurated several development projects at Basar including water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission in several villages of Leparada, a circle office building at Sago and PMGSY roads.
He also held a review meeting with heads of departments to monitor the implementation of state and central flagship programs in the district. Discussing development issues, Khandu exhorted the officials to ensure the speedy implementation of all schemes.
Minister of Forests and Environment, Mama Natung, accompanied the Chief Minister. Present on the occasion were local MLA Gokar Basar, DC Mamta Riba and SP PN Thungdok.