Staff Reporter

LEMMI, 29 Aug: Promoting the tourism potential of Pakke valley, a two-day adventure and celebration of nature and music event, Daii-Dasa Expedition 2026, began at Taoso village here in Pakke-Kessang district on Saturday, witnessing the participation of enthusiastic nature lovers and local residents.

The event, named after a wild flowering shrub belonging to the Melastomataceae family, scientifically known as Osbeckia crinita (locally called daii-dasa), is being organised by the group Sangtam Azing, with support from the district administration.

Flagging off the two-day event, Pakke-Kessang Deputy Commissioner Likha Teji emphasised on community involvement in promoting sustainable tourism in the district. The DC urged local residents to focus on hospitality and a welcoming attitude, even towards hitch-hikers, to promote sustainable community-based tourism in Pakke valley. He also appealed to the people to stop consuming wild animal meat to promote wildlife conservation, and assured of all possible administrative support for tourism promotion.

The DC, along with participants from the Arunachal Photography Club, joined a 4-km 'mithun trail walk' through flowering Melastomataceae shrubs in the valley.

Event coordinator Rup Techi Tara said the objective of the two-day programme is to capture the beauty of the valley during the flowering of daii-dasa and to promote sustainable tourism.

"I initially thought of organising a simple photo shoot, but later realised why not hold an expedition and explore the potential of daii-dasa. I think it would be interesting if we continue it in the next edition," said Tara, who is also a zilla parishad member.

A short sightseeing visit to the Alangtopte waterfall and the Lemmi artificial lake being developed by Sangtam Azing was also conducted on the first day.