Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday reviewed the master plan to develop a tourist and heritage centre around the historic Chakzam Bridge in Tawang district, emphasizing a “community-first” approach to preserve the region’s centuries-old engineering legacy.

Speaking after the meeting at his office, Khandu highlighted the rich civilisational heritage of the Himalayas and its long-standing tradition of innovative engineering. “The Himalayas have a long history of innovative engineering, with iron-chain suspension bridges existing here centuries before such methods appeared elsewhere,” he noted on X.

Chakzam Bridge: A Testament to Indigenous Engineering

The 15th-century Chakzam Bridge at Mogto, traditionally attributed to Buddhist monk Thangtong Gyalpo, is one of the oldest surviving iron-chain suspension bridges in the region. Spanning the Tawang Chu River and connecting settlements on both sides, the bridge stands as a striking example of indigenous engineering combined with community-oriented infrastructure.

“The historic Chakzam Bridge stands as an important example of indigenous engineering and community-oriented infrastructure,” Khandu said. He stressed that the proposed heritage and tourism centre should place local communities at the heart of both conservation and development.

Heritage and Tourism Development

According to the chief minister, the heritage project at Mogto has been envisioned as a model for sustainable tourism that protects the region’s cultural assets while delivering benefits to local residents. “This heritage must be protected, celebrated and shared in a way that benefits the people living around it,” he said.

Located about 20–25 km from Tawang town in western Arunachal Pradesh, near Mukto village, the Chakzam Bridge has already drawn the attention of travelers moving from Tawang towards Dirang and Bomdila. Khandu underlined that the development plans would enhance heritage tourism while safeguarding the bridge’s historical and cultural significance.

Focus on Conservation and Community Participation

The chief minister emphasized that the project must strike a careful balance between conservation, community involvement, and sustainable tourism practices. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that the legacy of the Chakzam Bridge continues to inspire future generations, while providing economic opportunities for local communities.

Khandu’s review reflects the state government’s broader strategy to promote heritage tourism in Arunachal Pradesh by leveraging its unique cultural and engineering landmarks. The Chakzam Bridge project is expected to serve as a model that combines historical preservation with community-centric development, strengthening the region’s identity and appeal to tourists from across the country and abroad.

By integrating heritage conservation with tourism, the initiative aims not only to showcase the ingenuity of traditional Himalayan engineering but also to create long-term benefits for local residents while preserving the cultural and historical significance of the Chakzam Bridge.