Arunachal's new district eyes growth in tourism and horticulture

The newly formed Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh, under the initiative of IAS officer Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, is focusing on sustainable development with an emphasis on tourism, sports, and horticulture.

As the district's first Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shweta Mehta highlighted the challenges of inadequate infrastructure and land encroachment but stressed ongoing efforts to address these issues.

The district administration is tackling problems like encroachment of government land and unaccounted cattle roaming on highways, with eviction drives already initiated. 

A significant step forward has been the voluntary donation of land by local residents for the establishment of the district headquarters, easing the process of setting up new offices and residential areas.

Speaking exclusively to India Today NE highlighted the difficulties faced due to lack of facilities and infrastructure. DC raised concerns about land encroachment and cattle roaming freely on highways.

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“Recruitment of staff is under process, DC office is under construction which will be complete by December. By December our district will run full-fledged with sufficient staff & chambers for officers. We along with the local Mla and head of departments toured the whole new district including every circle to find out new avenues & ideas to know the establishment. Simultaneously the denizens donated vast land voluntarily for the establishment of headquarters which helped us a lot to propose designated offices, and projects accordingly."

DC Mehta underscored that tourism, sports, and horticulture are sectors with vast potential in the region. The district is strategically located near Ziro and Itanagar, which presents opportunities for growth. 

Projects in these sectors are in the planning stages, and entrepreneurship among the youth is being encouraged, especially in horticultural products such as oranges, guava, kiwi, and cardamom.

The district aims to be fully operational by December, with key infrastructure, such as the DC office, in place. 

Additionally, the district is benefiting from the efforts of Yachuli's MLA, Toko Tatung, who is actively involved in touring the region to support development initiatives. Together, they hope to transform Keyi Panyor into one of the most developed districts in Arunachal Pradesh.