The land of dawnlit mountains

Arunachal Pradesh situated in the north eastern part of India is 83,743 sq km in area and has a long international, border with Bhutan, China Assam, Nagaland and Myanmar. It stretches from snow – caped mountains in the north to the plains of Brahmaputra valley in the south. Arunachal is the largest state area wise in the north – eastern region, even larger than Assam which is the most populous.

It is a land of lush green forest, deep river valley and beautiful plateaus; the land is – crossed with mountains with Himalayan ranges running north –south. These divided the state into countless river valleys: the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit, and the Tirap. All these rivers are fed by snows from the Himalayas and countless rivers and rivulets except Tirap which is fed by Patkai range.

The mightiest of these rivers is Siang, called Tsangpo in Tibet, which becomes Brahmaputra after it is joined by the Dibang and the Lohit in the plains of Assam.

High mountains and dense forest have prevented intercommunication between tribes living in different river valleys .Isolation imposed by geography has led different with several dialects to live and flourish with their distinct identities. Nature has endowed the people with a deep sense of beauty which finds delight expression in their songs, dances and crafts.

The climate varies from hot and humid in the Shivalik range with heavy rainfall. It becomes progressively cold as one move northwards to higher altitudes.

Trees of great size, plentiful climbers and abundance of cane and bamboo make Arunachal Pradesh evergreen. Tropical rain forest is to be found in the foothills and the hills in the east on the border with Myanmar. Northern most borders are covered with Alpine forest. Amidst the highly rugged terrain, there are green and plateaus.

Evolution:

Arunachal Pradesh becomes a full- fledged state on February 20th 1987. Till 1972, it was known as the North – East Frontier Agency (NEFA). It gained the Union Territory state on January 20th 1972and renamed as Arunachal Pradesh.

Bordering States/Countries:-

Districts: Tirap , Changlang , Lohit, Dibang Valley, Tawang, West Kameng, Papumpare, Lower Subansiri , Upper Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, West Siang, Upper Siang, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, East Kameng.

Demography as per 2001 census:

Major minerals: Limestone, Dolomite, Graphite, Coal, and Oil Quartzite, Brine oil, Yellow Ochre, Marble.

Industrial Estate: 13

Educational institutes : (2006)

Number of Organisations/institutions Engaged in Social Welfare Activities (as on 31.03.2006):

Source: Statistical Abstracts of Arunachal Pradesh, 2006

Source: Statistical Abstract of Arunachal Pradesh 2005.

Language : Local dialects, Assamese, Hindi, English

Strengths :

• "Island of peace" in the North East

• Hydro power potential estimated to be 30,000 MW

• Sizeable natural resources – oil, coal, natural gas, forest products

• Favorable climate for horticultural crops, tea, rubber etc.

• Natural home for orchids

• Immense tourism potential – nature, adventure and pilgrimage tourism

• It's clean and cool climate is suitable for electronics industry