The unique bamboo gate entrance of the newly built airport of Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh is becoming renowned worldwide as it is made out of bamboo and represents the Hornbill bird, which is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh. Designed by local architecture, Aroty Panyang, the gate will welcome people entering the state through Donyi Polo airport. Aroty Panyang, who designed the unique Bamboo gate, was said to be greatly inspired by the Hornbill and accomplished making the design resemble the bird. According to Aroty, the bamboo gate is important as it will give a sense of pride to the people and inspire the present and future generations to embrace their culture and tradition. It had taken the designer five months to construct the gate and as the construction was initiated during the monsoon season, she and fifteen bamboo artisans faced and overcame many hurdles. “We took the whole structure offsite to do prefabrication and which was installed later at the present site”, she said. “Bamboo is a good material and tribal people know very well how to make good use of it for various purposes”, she added.
Built on an area of 2500sq.feet with bamboo and cane, the 23 feet-high and 82 feet wide structure has been designed to allow unhindered movement of heavy vehicles and airport traffic. The 4 km, 4 lane road towards the airport was inaugurated on the 17th of November, along with the Bamboo entrance gate. Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, elucidated the importance of Bamboo among the tribal communities of Arunachal and pointed out that Bamboo is the identity of Tribals. The Chief Minister also praised Aroty Panyang for designing the grand bamboo entrance gate. Khandu also appreciated the efforts of the 15 artisans who assisted Aroty Panyang. Many bamboo hubs are coming up in northeastern states and with the help of technology and innovation bamboo will be a game changer in the days to come, he said. As per reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the ‘Donyi Polo airport’ on November 19, 2022, whose foundation stone was laid by him on February 9, 2019. Named was named after ‘Donyi Polo’, the deity revered by the indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh.
