Arunachal CM Pema Khandu Unveils Vision for Chakzam Bridge as Heritage Hub
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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has outlined a plan to transform the historic Chakzam Bridge in Tawang district into a thriving heritage tourism hub. The 15th-century iron-chain suspension bridge, attributed to Buddhist monk Thangtong Gyalpo, is a testament to indigenous engineering and community-oriented infrastructure. Khandu emphasized the importance of preserving the region's rich cultural legacy, highlighting the Himalayas' long history of innovative engineering. He envisioned the proposed heritage centre at Mogto to be a model that puts local communities at the forefront of conservation and development. The bridge, spanning the Tawang Chu River, is a key cultural landmark in the high Himalayan terrain and a popular stop for visitors travelling from Tawang towards Dirang and Bomdila. To balance conservation, community participation, and sustainable tourism, Khandu stressed the need to safeguard the bridge's historical and cultural significance while strengthening heritage tourism. The Arunachal Pradesh government's plan aims to protect and celebrate the region's heritage while ensuring it benefits the local communities. As Khandu puts it, 'This heritage must be protected, celebrated, and shared in a way that benefits the people living around it.'
