Kohima, Dec 10 (MExN): Parliamentary Secretary Tourism, Kaito Aye inaugurated the first ever tourist village in Wokha district and the fourth in the state at Old Riphyim village yesterday.
Addressing a large gathering of people from Englan Range, Kaito called upon the people to preserve culture and to protect flora and fauna. He said the concept of eco-tourism will be the main stay of places like Old Riphyim village which is located in a beautiful landscape. In this regard, he appealed to the people to restrain from hunting and fishing.
“The people should own community assets such as the tourist village as their own and take the responsibility for caring and sharing and maintain it on priority basis by the whole community as nobody will come forward to take the responsibility if they don’t do so” he said.
He also encouraged the people to hold festivals in the tourist village by inviting neighbouring villages and tribes to encourage the concept of peaceful co-existence. “Ours is a multi-cultural and multi-tribal society,” as we all belong to the same Naga family and are so inter-dependent and cannot live without each other.
Kaito also reminded of the Nagas’ rich culture and tradition of warm hospitality towards guests but at the same time cautioned that “we should not misuse our hospitality by parting with everything”.
Director Tourism, Alem Pongener gave a brief account of the project and told the people that agricultural tourism should be encouraged as the state is an agrarian society with organic food and unique lifestyle.
The programme was interspersed with cultural programmes by different clubs from both Old Riphyim and Yikhum villages. The programme was chaired by Phillip Patton while the welcome address was delivered by Chairman Village Council Old Riphyim. Mentsuo Patton offered the vote of thanks.
Old Riphyim Tourist village consists of three double bedded cottages, a community hall, a dinning hall and a library. The village was constructed at a cost of Rs 55 lakh under Prime Minister’s special package awarded to the state. Other tourist villages in Nagaland includes Tuophema Tourist village, Khonoma Green Village and Benreu Tourist Village.
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