Karang Tuwi Lake Expedition : Chaglohagam for Good
Often Chaglohagam called by other misspelt names like Chaglagam, Chaklagam & Chaglongam, has been in limelight for wrong reasons like compensation issues and instances of incursion by the PLA at Hadigra Pass. This article is to a try to change the image of Chaglohagam in positive way. This is also to make people aware that Tourism in Anjaw is not to be limited to Walong, Khibitoo, Kaho & Dong. The entire Dalai Valley which comprises of Metengliang & Chaglohagam circle has lot to offer especially in Eco Tourism sector. Among such tourism potentials, the expedition to Karang Tuwi lake is one such.
This expedition is an initiation under Eastern Command Trans Theatre Adventure Activities 2023. The charge of expedition has been given to 3 Grenadiers under 181 Mtn Brigade of Dao Division.
The expedition was flagged off by the Commanding Officer of 3 Grenadiers at Chaglohagam on 16th Nov’ 2023. The team comprised of 7-Armed Force led by a Major which included an Army Doctor, 5 Civilians which included the Circle Officer of Chaglohagam and his team and a required number of porters.
The expedition was for 14 days which included reserve days in case of any inclement weather. The team reached the destination Karang Tuwi lake on 22nd Nov’ 2023. Moments where captured and prayers were offered by Armed Forces, Civilians and the local porters.
The significance of this lake is that it has a religious connect with the locals i.e., the Digaru Mishmi of entire Dalai Valley which includes Chaglohagam & Metengliang circles of Anjaw district. The Digaru Mishmis have a faith & belief in Life after death & they believe that departed souls rest at Karang Tuwi on their way to heavenly abode. They also believe that few lucky among the Digaru Mishmis get to see their fathers as Gods at the Bank of this sacred lake. The locals believe that it is the abode of Deuiaan and the name of the deity is invoked in all religious activities. The locals believe that the water from this sacred lake gives life energy in the valley thus bringing blessings in the valley. According to the local folklore pilgrimage must be taken by local shaman i.e., Gokhan who would in turn offer atonement to the deity in the form of animal or bird sacrifice called Dharun.
The geographic description of this lake is that it is a fresh water lake. It is at a distance of 55 km approx. from last motorable road i.e., from Chaglohagam towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It extends 5 km in length and 1 km in width. The northern end of lake lies approximately 6 kms South of Watershed along which the LAC is demarcated between India and China.
This expedition is by all means an experience which needs to be taken by adventure enthusiast, botanists, zoologists and ichthyologist. The District Administration of Anjaw district calls for such enthusiasts to volunteer for this expedition which is an yearly activity carried out under the banner of Eastern Command Trans Theatre Adventure Activities.
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