Saltwater well: Arunachal villagers’ hope for economic well-being, luring tourists

Dibrugarh: Arunachal Pradesh or the Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains, which is the first in the country to get sunlight, is a region rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. It particularly has many unexplored natural wonders that are largely unknown to the outside world and if properly promoted, the state could become a global tourist hub.Among the hidden gems is a fascinating natural saltwater well, locally known as Nimok Pung. This unique well is located atop a hillock in Subang village of Tirap district. This remarkable saltwater well has historical significance, according to the locals.Highlighting its importance, local resident and zilla parishad member Wanphoon Lowang said, "In the past, the saltwater from this well was processed into salt and widely used by communities across Arunachal Pradesh and the eastern parts of Assam. It played a vital role in our barter system. People would come to exchange the processed salt for essentials like dal and oil."The history of the well is also interwoven with the cultural fabric of the region, other locals said, stressing that the salt produced was once a crucial commodity, facilitating trade and sustenance for many families."We would carry bags of salt to barter with neighbouring villages. It was like gold for us," said 67-year-old Poiwang Kanglom, reflecting on the earlier days. With changing times and the advent of modern trade practices, the significance of Nimok Pung has diminished, leaving it largely forgotten.Despite its historical importance, the well has remained largely unexplored and underappreciated not only by outsiders but also by residents beyond the village. Though state forest minister Wanki Lowang has made some efforts to promote the site, locals felt that more measures are necessary.Recently, the villagers have appealed to the govt to enhance tourism infrastructure in the area to pave the way for economic growth and increased awareness of the region's unique natural gift."We have something extraordinary here that can draw people in large numbers. If the govt invests in promoting this site, it could boost our local economy, too," Kamlong added.
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