Itanagar: Union Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi has assured to sanction a ‘cultural center’ for Ziro valley in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Minister, who was given a warm welcome by the state officials and locals upon her arrival at Ziro on Friday, asked the Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner to prepare a proposal in this regard and submit it to the Ministry through the State’s Art and Culture Department, official sources said on Saturday.

Upon her arrival in Arunachal Pradesh, Lekhi undertook a review meeting of Oil Palm development in the State as part of the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), along with district officials. She reviewed the progress of the Mission and urged the officials to further enhance production.

Commenting that oil palm plantations in Arunachal Pradesh would greatly help India from importing oil palms from countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, the Minister suggested the State Government to utilize the facility of 500 storage centres with cold storage facilities near the expressways and highways announced by the Central Govt for benefit of the farmers.

The Union Minister, who is on a 4-day visit to Lower Subansiri and Kurung Kumey districts, reached the Ziro valley from Itanagar by road. She was received by Commissioner Agriculture Bidol Tayeng, Secretary Art and Culture Tai Kaye, Lower Subansiri DC Bamin Nime, district head of departments, members of Apatani Women Association Ziro, local Apatani Daminda dance troupe, students, and women NGOs and SHGs.

Before leaving for Kurung Kumey by a chopper today, the Union Minister visited the various tourist places including the ‘Amrit Sarovar Sii Burii Water Conservation Project’ at Sii Lake in Ziro, and the District Museum and Craft Centre, Ziro.

The Museum showcased a rich collection of textiles, weaponry, and handicrafts that reflect the tribal culture and heritage of the Northeastern state, Lekhi said.

She also visited the District Collector office today in Ziro.

“Had an engaging interaction on the revival of our ancient techniques of furniture making & architecture. Appreciated the efforts of the district admin in implementing Swachh Bharat (Abhiyan) in the Northeastern state,” she stated in a tweet.

(WIth UNI inputs)