The VIPRA Foundation hosted a special Swasti Kaamna Samaroh at the Dr. Ambedkar International Center in New Delhi on July 2, 2024, to celebrate the ongoing development of Parshuram Kund. The event saw the felicitation of Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Chaudhary, and several newly elected MPs. Deputy CM Chowna Mein expressed gratitude for the continued support from the people, enabling the BJP-led government’s third consecutive term. He highlighted the significant development projects in Arunachal Pradesh, notably the Parshuram Kund under the PRASHAD scheme, supported both by the government and the VIPRA Foundation.
Mein mentioned the installation progress of the 51 ft bronze statue of Lord Parshuram, a project initiated with the foundation stone laid by Union Minister Amit Shah in May 2022. He reported that the foundation work for the statue is complete, with ongoing construction of the retaining wall on the hillside, set to finish within a month. Landscaping, beautification, and road construction are next on the agenda. During the State Level Empowered Committee Meeting on June 26, 2024, Mein announced the approval of the “Construction of River Front in Parshuram Kund in Lohit District” under NESIDS (OTRI) with a budget of Rs 50 Crore, to be submitted for Ministry of DONER sanction. An additional Rs 50 Crore from the state government will further support the Kund’s development.
The River Front project aims to enhance the visitor experience with lawns, walkways, viewing decks, and ritual decks, catering to over 100,000 pilgrims during the Makar Sankranti Mela. It is expected to boost tourism and socio-economic activities in the region. Previously, the Ministry of Tourism sanctioned Rs 37.87 Crore under the PRASHAD Scheme for various infrastructural developments at Parshuram Kund, including pilgrim facilities and amenities.
