NEW DELHI / ITANAGAR: India has formally standardized the names of 27 locations and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh on official Survey of India maps, in a move aimed at ensuring accurate recognition of the region’s landmarks and strengthening public awareness of India’s territorial geography.
The list includes 21 land locations, four mountain passes, one lake and one memorial. The exercise was carried out following consultations between the Union government and the Arunachal Pradesh government.
The development comes amid renewed attention to the India-China border situation, particularly after social-media reports alleged a fresh Chinese incursion into Arunachal Pradesh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Both the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Indian Army have rejected those reports.
27 Locations and Features Given Standard Names
According to the Union Home Ministry, the 27 locations and geographical features were formally identified in consultation with the Arunachal Pradesh government.
The ministry said the inclusion of the locations on official Survey of India maps is intended to facilitate their accurate identification and wider public awareness.
The 21 land areas listed are:
- Longju
- Maja
- Bisa
- Bara Kundun
- Chhota Kundun
- Dhan Bari
- Pritnagar
- Buddhamandir
- Jairampur
- Teritnagar
- Ramnagar
- Jaswant Garh
- Sagar
- Padma
- Jyotinagar
- Baisakhi
- Chhota Ropuk
- Bara Ropuk
- Shivaji Nagar
- Sunpura
- Kamlang Nagar
The list also includes four strategically significant mountain passes:
- Dzo La
- Riza La
- Pukur La
- Thag La
In addition, Sambho Sarovar has been identified as the only lake on the list, while the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial is the sole monument included among the 27 entries.
Mapping Exercise Comes Amid Border Concerns
The formal mapping exercise comes at a time when developments along the India-China border have once again attracted attention.
Social-media reports recently alleged that Chinese forces had entered parts of Arunachal Pradesh along the LAC. The reports triggered political and public discussion over the security situation in the strategically important northeastern state.
However, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has rejected the allegations.
Speaking on Friday, Khandu said he did not believe there had been an incursion, pointing to the continuous deployment of the Indian Army along the border.
“We don’t think there was an incursion as the Indian Army personnel are deployed and maintaining the territory,” Khandu said.
He added that he would speak with local tribal communities and the Army to understand the situation on the ground.
Arunachal Home Minister Calls Incursion Reports Rumors
Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung had also dismissed similar claims last month, urging media organizations and social-media users to verify information before publishing or circulating allegations about the border.
Natung said there was “no Chinese encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh” and emphasized that Indian troops remain deployed along the frontier.
He said the claims circulating on social media were rumors and should not be accepted without verification.
According to Natung, Indian soldiers are maintaining a continuous presence along the border to safeguard the country’s territory.
Indian Army Previously Rejected Encroachment Reports
The Indian Army has separately rejected earlier reports alleging that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had entered Arunachal Pradesh and established camps.
In a statement issued in June, the Army said reports claiming recent Chinese encroachment and the establishment of camps in the state were incorrect and without basis.
The Army’s statement came amid heightened attention to social-media claims concerning military activity along the disputed border.
Significance of Official Mapping
The latest move to standardize the names of 27 Arunachal Pradesh locations and geographical features on official Survey of India maps has significance beyond routine cartographic documentation.
Official maps provide a standardized geographical reference for government agencies, researchers, security organizations, local administrations and the public.
The inclusion of these locations also provides a formal reference for geographical features in a state that shares an international boundary with China, Bhutan and Myanmar.
The move comes against the backdrop of continuing territorial disagreements between India and China, particularly over Beijing’s claims concerning Arunachal Pradesh, which India has consistently rejected.
India-China Border Remains Closely Watched
Arunachal Pradesh remains strategically important because of its location along India’s northeastern frontier and its extensive border with China.
While authorities have rejected the latest reports of a Chinese incursion, the government and security forces continue to closely monitor developments along the LAC.
The formal identification of the 27 locations on Survey of India maps therefore comes at a sensitive time, reinforcing the importance of accurate geographical documentation and public awareness of India’s territorial boundaries.
The latest mapping exercise, however, should not be interpreted as confirmation of the alleged Chinese incursion; Indian authorities have specifically rejected those claims.
