Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh’s Pangin village was officially inaugurated as a Clean Model Village (CMV) under Siang district’s ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ initiative on Sunday.
With this recognition, Pangin becomes Siang District’s third Clean Model Village, following the successful transformation of Pagak (Kaying Circle) and Lokpeng (Pangin Circle).
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Ojing Tasing, Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, as the chief guest and Oken Tayeng, MLA of 39-Mebo Assembly Constituency, graced the event as the guest of honour.
The journey to the CMV status began in January 2025 under the leadership of Pangin Circle Officer Niyang Pertin, with vital support from Deputy Commissioner PN Thungon and ADC Gamtum Padu.
Understanding that true transformation could only be achieved through people’s participation, the circle officer prioritised a bottom-up strategy, ensuring that the movement remained community-owned from the outset.
An inclusive and participatory approach was adopted, starting with extensive community engagement and consultations to understand local needs.
“A clean village is not just about sanitation—it’s a symbol of collective responsibility, pride, and progress,” Minister Tasing said during the event.
As part of the inauguration, Minister Tasing released a song celebrating the Clean Model Village concept and Pangin’s cultural heritage.
The minister hailed Circle Officer Niyang Pertin and her team for their instrumental role in developing the project.
To institutionalise the initiative, a Village Development Committee was constituted under the leadership of president Tadi Panor, comprising gram panchayat members, gaon burahs and youth groups.
Following this, awareness campaigns, mobilisation drives, and voluntary donation efforts were launched to foster a sense of ownership among the villagers.
A hallmark of Pangin’s transformation was the effective convergence of multiple government schemes, carefully coordinated to maximise impact.
Besides, MGNREGA funds were leveraged for critical works like the repair and dredging of the PMGSY drain, and panchayat SOR funds were used to install decorative street lamps and iron dustbin stands.
The Sports Department supported the creation of an open-air gym, promoting fitness and healthy living.
The Forest Department partnered in an extensive avenue plantation drive, enriching the village’s natural environment.
Additionally, rejuvenation efforts such as the revival of the Ruteng stream, development of an artificial lake, construction of a bamboo bridge, tree houses, scenic viewpoints with walking trails, and the painting of the welcome gate transformed Pangin into a visually striking, eco-friendly, and tourism-ready destination.
Lauding the villagers’ efforts, Tasing stated, “Pangin today stands as a mirror of cleanliness and community spirit for the entire Siang district. Cleanliness is not merely a task, but a way of life.”
ALSO READ: Experts conduct risk assessment of Arunachal’s Rani Lake to monitor glacial flood threats
Emphasizing the adventure tourism potential of the Siang district, MLA Tayeng stated, “Siang’s natural rivers and highlands present an ideal setting for activities such as rafting, angling, trekking, and high-altitude expeditions. This inherent potential can be effectively harnessed by providing proper training to our youth, enabling them to achieve self-reliance through avenues like tourism, homestays, and guided services.
