Boleng, Feb 28: The district administration of Siang, in collaboration with the department of skill development and entrepreneurship and the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), on Friday flagged off the first batch of candidates for a skill development training program on ‘Adventure Travel Guide (High Altitude).’
A total of 37 candidates departed from Boleng, the district headquarters, at 5 am for the Aqua Excellence Node of NIMAS at Bhalukpong.
The initiative is supported by Rural Development and Panchayati minister Ojing Tasing, and MLA and advisor to agriculture minister Talem Taboh.
The flag-off ceremony was conducted by circle officer Niyang Pertin.
Speaking on the occasion, Tasing emphasized the importance of investing in youth, stating that the program is aimed at empowering young people to lead responsible and sustainable tourism efforts while preserving the region’s cultural and natural heritage. Echoing similar views, Taboh said the initiative would generate employment opportunities and position Siang as a leading adventure tourism destination.
Deputy Commissioner PN Thungon highlighted the district’s immense potential for adventure tourism, noting that the training would lay the foundation for a sustainable, community-led tourism industry.
Scheduled from March 1 to May 1, the training will provide hands-on experience in high-altitude trekking, risk assessment, rescue techniques, and sustainable tourism practices. Trainees will participate in outdoor activities such as trekking, ziplining, and specialized rescue missions to prepare them for real-life challenges in Siang’s rugged terrain.
The programme aligns with the region’s adventure tourism potential while emphasizing safety standards, emergency response, and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the district administration plans to send additional batches for training at NIMAS in the future.
It may be mentioned here that Siang district is home to several adventure and historic sites, including ‘Attang Ane’ (Arunachal’s largest tree in Kallek, Kebang Circle), ‘Gueng Lake’ in Riga Circle, and ‘Migom Lehing’ and ‘Tatik Nappang’ in Bogne, Kaying Circle. The ‘Ponrung (Bat) Caves’ in Kebang Sole and the Siang and Simang rivers, known for their challenging rapids, further enhance the region’s adventure tourism appeal.
Officials believe the initiative will contribute significantly to employment generation, skill development, and sustainable tourism.
“By equipping local youth with professional adventure tourism training, the programme aims to establish Siang as a premier destination for high-altitude trekking and adventure tourism in Arunachal,” CO Pertin said.
