Participants, organisers, and dignitaries pose for a group photograph at the third edition of the Hornbill Extension celebrated at Doyang tourist resort in Wokha district on December 5.
Morung Express News
Wokha | December 5
The third edition of the Hornbill Extension was celebrated at the Doyang tourist resort on Thursday, drawing participants and spectators from across Wokha district. Er. CH R John Zeliang, Executive Director (Technical) and Head of Project, DHEP NEEPCO/NTPC Ltd., attended the event as the guest of honour.
The opening day showcased a series of activities including traditional boat racing in both single and double categories, a 50-metre freestyle swimming competition, and a men’s tug-of-war (8x8). The day concluded with a musical extravaganza that added to the festive atmosphere at Doyang.
Addressing the gathering, Zeliang highlighted the vast tourism potential of Wokha district, stating that tourism—alongside power generation—could serve as a major economic driver for the region. He stressed the importance of service quality in determining the success of tourism initiatives, remarking that even a single family providing a clean and hygienic homestay could generate meaningful income. Touching on cultural transition, he lamented the gradual decline of values such as trust, loyalty and honesty, which he described as the true essence of cultural celebration. He urged the community to promote culture with an accommodative spirit for the collective progress of society. “Culture is not stationary but evolving,” he said, emphasising the need to remove harmful elements while preserving authenticity. He praised the organisers for their efforts in blending culture with festivity and extended his best wishes for the two-day celebration.
Deputy Director of Tourism, Lichumo Kikon, reaffirmed the department’s and the government’s commitment to building tourism as a sustainable industry capable of creating opportunities and strengthening the state’s economy. He encouraged citizens to learn the trade and offer quality services to both local and non-local visitors, while highlighting the government’s ongoing projects and visions aimed at promoting tourism in Wokha and Nagaland.
In his welcome address, Dr. Thungdemo Kyong, Chief of Team Metamorphosis, expressed gratitude to the Tourism department for its support and the trust placed in the association. He noted that the association had successfully organised three editions of the event at Doyang and assured that it would continue to promote tourism and related activities in the district with greater public participation in the years to come.
President of the Land Owners Union (LOU) Doyang, Roland Lotha, pledged the union’s cooperation in hosting future events to boost tourism in the area. He pointed out that Doyang not only contributes significantly to power generation and fishing but also holds tremendous untapped potential for tourism. Acknowledging NEEPCO Doyang for providing employment, supporting fishermen, and enhancing recreation through the scenic beauty of the region, he encouraged young people to initiate innovative ventures to harness emerging tourism opportunities.
Competitions held during the day saw Midland Colony, Wokha, emerge as champions of the tug-of-war event, followed by Doyang Lion and Just for Fun. In the 50-metre freestyle swimming category, Pitor clinched first place, with Nongothung and Ronsuthung securing second and third positions respectively. In the double boat race, Lawrence and Zaremo took the top spot, while Njamo Odyuo and Tumbemo finished second and Chichamo and Lumchamo took third. The single boat race was won by Yibemo, followed by Lawrence in second place and Zubemo Yanthan in third.
