Recently, the Indian Air Force has bestowed a new lease of life on India’s easternmost village, Vijaynagar, in Arunachal Pradesh, with the inauguration of a resurfaced runway. Nestled in the Changlang district, Vijaynagar lays claim to being the eastern-most inhabited locality of India, a unique geographical position that is not accessible by road.
Facts About Vijaynagar and Its Transportation
Isolated due to its lack of road connectivity, the primary mode of transportation to Vijaynagar has always been helicopters. It’s surrounded by Myanmar on three sides, while the fourth side boasts the expansive stretches of the Namdapha National Park. The village’s closest neighboring cities are Miao, Hayuliang, and Tezu in India, located at a distance requiring a seven day trek, and Putao, which is the nearest city in Myanmar at 40 km away.
In the 1960s, the Union government took steps to populate the area, settling over 200 Gorkha families of retired Assam Rifles personnel in Vijaynagar.
Vijaynagar’s Surroundings: Namdapha National Park
Vijaynagar is adjacent to the internationally known Namdapha National Park, positioned conveniently on the border between India and Myanmar within the Changlang District. This park is globally recognized for being the only one in the world that accommodates all four feline species of big cats, such as the Tiger (Panthera Tigris), Leopard (Panthera Pardus), Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia), and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis Nebulosa).
Another notable inhabitant of the park is the Hoolock Gibbons, the only ‘ape’ species found in India.
Facts about Vijaynagar and Namdapha National Park
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Location of Vijaynagar | Easternmost inhabited locality in India, in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh |
| Transportation to Vijaynagar | Mainly by helicopters due to lack of road connectivity |
| Vijaynagar’s neighbours | Surrounded by Myanmar on three sides and Namdapha National Park on one side |
| Namdapha National Park | Located on India-Myanmar border, it is the only park in the world home to Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard |
| Unique Species in Namdapha National Park | Houses Hoolock Gibbons, the only ‘ape’ species found in India |
The Resurfaced Runway: A Boost for Vijaynagar
The inauguration of the resurfaced runway is a momentous development for Vijaynagar and its inhabitants. The Indian Air Force’s initiative will enhance the locality’s connectivity, improving accessibility for both locals and visitors. This will not only aid in easier commuting but also open up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and overall development of this remote Indian village.
Source:IE
