Arunachal Pradesh: Foundation Day, February 20 – A State with Unique Identity of Its Own, the Land of Sunrise

Largest State in the North-Eastern Region, Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state area wise in the north-eastern region of India. It is also called as 'the land of rising sun'.

Arunachal Pradesh has nearly 84,000 sq km in area, and it has a long international border line with Bhutan on the west, China on the north and north-east and Myanmar on the east. In the north, it has snow-capped mountains and, in the south, it has the plains of Brahmaputra valley.

Attained Statehood on February 20, 1987

Arunachal Pradesh gained the Union Territory status on January 20, 1972. It was on August 15, 1975, that an elected Legislative Assembly was first constituted, with its first Council of Ministers assuming charge.

In February 1978, the first general election was held for the Assembly. The state is divided into 16 districts. Arunachal Pradesh became a full-fledged state on February 20, 1987.

A State with Unique Set of Traditions and Customs

The literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata have the mention of Arunachal Pradesh. This place is believed to be the Prabhu Mountains of Puranas.

Arunachal Pradesh was ruled by many powerful rulers and kingdoms, giving the state many historical monuments and archaeological remains showcasing its rich cultural heritage.

A State with Abundance of Wild Flora and Fauna

Arunachal Pradesh is primarily a mountainous territory with rocks, forests and streams presenting a breath-taking view of nature in all its glory and abundance of wild flora and fauna. The capital city of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar. Itanagar is named after Ita Fort, meaning 'fort of bricks', which was built in the 14th century.

According to 2011 census, the population of Arunachal Pradesh was 13,82,611. The main languages spoken are Nyishi, Adi and Nepali. The literacy rate of the state stands at 65.38%. People in Arunachal Pradesh are involved in industries such as arts and crafts, weaving, cane and bamboo, carpet weaving, wood carving, tourism and horticulture.

Utilising Natural Resources for Power Generation and Horticulture Production

In fiscal year 2022-2023, the state government has announced the construction of 2,000 km of road per year. The state has scaled up its power generation capacity by utilizing its hydropower potential. Till August 31, 2022, Arunachal Pradesh had a total installed power generation capacity of 772.76 MW.

The total horticulture production has reached 193,000 metric tonnes.

Increased Budgetary Allocation for the Development of State

Infrastructure Development

The state government in its state budget, 2022-2023, has announced major infrastructure projects such as District Secretariat at Ziro and outdoor stadiums at Yupia and Ziro. The state government has also allocated Rs. 100 crore each for Atmanirbhar Krishi Yojana (agriculture) and Atmanirbhar Bagwani Yojana (horticulture).

The government has allocated Rs. 15 crores for the CM's Rural Housing Scheme. The government has given 'in-principle' approval in March 2022 to set up a greenfield airport in Hollongi (Itanagar).

In August 2021, Chief Minister Mr. Pema Khandu announced the 2,396 km Trans Arunachal Highway connecting 16 districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

It is being constructed by four agencies: the state Public Works Department, Ministry of Road Transport and Highway, National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. and the Border Roads Organisation.

Agriculture and Forest-Based Industries

Arunachal Pradesh is the largest producer of kiwis in India and it is the second largest producer of large cardamom. The state also boosts of having large inland fisheries resources.

Textiles and Sericulture Development

For holistic development of sericulture in Arunachal Pradesh, the state has implemented 24 sericulture projects under the North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme. The raw silk production in the state has also increased.

To tap potential and increase quality silk production in the state, the state government has introduced a gap-filling scheme worth Rs. 5 crores in the Eri and Muga cultures.