Geographical Area
Area of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is situated in the North-Eastern part of India with 83743 sq. kms area and has a long international border.It stretches from snow-capped mountains in the north to the plains of Brahmaputra valley in the south. Arunachal is the largest state area-wise in the north-east region, even larger than Assam which is the most populous.
It is situated between latitude 26 r 30' N and 29 r 30 ' N and longitude 91 r 30' E and 97 r 30' E. Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and located at an altitude of 530 meters above MSL. It is named after Itafort meaning fort of bricks built in 14th century A.D.
Strategic Importance
Arunachal Pradesh covers an area of 83748 sq. Kms. It is bound by international borders with China (known as Mac Mohan Line), Bhutan and Myanmar, running to over 1630 kms. It inner line borders are with Assam and Nagaland. Till 1971, this part of the land was known as North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). In 1972, it became a Union Territory with the name Arunachal Pradesh. In 1987, it became the 24th State of India with capital in Itanagar derived from the historical Ita Fort.
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most strategically placed states because of its common international border with China, Bhutan and Myanmar, Historically Bharat has paid a very heavy price for neglecting her frontiers whether it is in the North-west or North East. Foreign invasions have taken place in the past on account such neglect. After independence, India's sense of security was rudely shaken by the Chinese invasion through the unprotected North Eastern region. Arunachal is in fact the Gateway to India in the Northeast. After Chinese aggression it has become strategically most important. Additionally, armed insurgency and anti-national activities in the neighboring states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram during the last two decades or more have also made Arunachal vulnerable to insurgency if left unguarded. The geo-political importance of the region is such that is has naturally attracted the attention of foreign elements inimical to Bharat. Also the entire region is rich in minerals and other natural resources like oil and coal and in the cultivation of Tea, Coffee and other cash crops. Revenue from plywood and other forest products is substantial and adds to the economy of the region. All these valuable assets of the state also attract the evil eyes of the greedy foreign elements.
Map of Arunachal Pradesh
