Itanagar, Jul 26: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday chaired a preliminary meeting at Namsai to discuss the integration of Buddhist sites in eastern Arunachal Pradesh into the proposed Buddhist Circuit of the Northeast, as announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.
The meeting was attended by Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, who is also a member of the National Tourism Advisory Council and Chairman of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) Northeast Chapter, State’s Tourism Secretary Pagli Sora, Namsai Deputy Commissioner CR Khampa, officials of the Tourism Department and other stakeholders.
The meeting deliberated on incorporating Buddhist-inhabited areas of eastern Arunachal Pradesh, including Bordumsa, Miao, Jairampur, Vijaynagar, Namsai, Chongkham, Kaho, Tuting, Pemako and Mechukha, into the regional Buddhist Circuit.
Mein said these locations possess immense potential to emerge as premier Buddhist tourism destinations through improved connectivity, infrastructure and enhanced visitor experiences while preserving the region's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
He emphasised that the proposed Buddhist Circuit would not only promote religious and cultural tourism but also serve as a catalyst for sustainable tourism, local livelihoods, employment generation and inclusive economic growth across the region.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the state government is committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop the Buddhist Circuit as a major tourism initiative for the Northeast.