Itanagar, Oct 30: In an effort to strengthen India’s presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Arunachal Pradesh government and the army are collaborating to develop a significant area near the Yangtse. This development is considered a subtle message to counter China’s influence in the region, and it comes in the wake of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s performance of ‘Shastra Puja’ with troops in Tawang.
The focus of this initiative is the promotion of the legend of Chumi Gyatse, a place famous for its 108 Holy Waterfalls along the LAC. In December of the previous year, China had expressed interest in constructing an observation post overlooking this area, which is located just 250 meters from the LAC and was previously off-limits even for the people of Tawang.
The remote Tsechu village, situated at 11,000 feet and a four-hour bumpy ride from Tawang town towards Yangtse, is near the Line of Actual Control. Efforts have been ongoing to enhance the road infrastructure in the region, especially in light of the standoff with Chinese troops.
According to Tibetan legends, Chumi Gyatse features a collection of 108 waterfalls, and the water in this area is considered holy with reputed “healing properties.” Every year, Buddhist pilgrims from Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states visit Chumi Gyatse to offer prayers and collect the holy water.
Also Read: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Busy One-Day Visit to Guwahati
The region has started gaining recognition, and tourist footfall is on the rise. Residents express happiness about this, yet they also emphasize the need for better road infrastructure to further boost tourism.
“The road in the region has to be improved, but the area is witnessing change. Now we have a temple, a monastery, and even Lamas are here. We’ve had the wish to visit this place for a long time, and today’s wish is fulfilled,” said Sonam Thsering, who traveled from Tawang town.
“We heard about the holy waterfalls, so we are visiting this place. We have taken the holy water in bottles. This is close to the China border, and it’s a different experience,” commented Raju Tamang, a young tourist from Guwahati.
