If Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has his way, the Eastern Himalayas, including India’s border with China there, could be part of the tourism itinerary. Khandu, who met GOC of Tezpur-based Four Corps Lt Gen B S Jaswal on Wednesday, has expressed the desire to have civil helipads close to the international border.Khandu, who met Lt Gen Jaswal in Itanagar, has requested permission for air traffic clearance for the proposed helicopter services in the frontier area as and when desired by the state Government. Official sources in Itanagar said Khandu informed the GOC that the state Government has identified Mechuka and Anini, in addition to Tawang, as new tourist destinations.Khandu also disclosed that the state Government was contemplating to start helicopter services to some far-flung areas in Tawang, West Kameng, West Siang and other frontier districts, apart from setting up a National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Dirang.The Chief Minister, who hails from Kameng region, also asked the GOC to consider construction of a ropeway between Se-La and Jaswant Garh on the Tezpur-Tawang road, which can be a contingency plan in case of road blocks and also be a tourist attraction. Khandu has also proposed a winter sports complex in the high reaches of Eastern Himalayas, which will allow sportspersons to train for winter sports and help in altitude acclimatisation.
