Need for responsible tourism

Ketholeno Neihu
Kohima | January 29

With the Dzükou valley becoming a popular attraction and a preferred trekking site, the footfall of visitors and tourists over the years has seen a dramatic increase. Odds-on, the aftermath of the massive fire will possibly have an immediate impact on tourism in the following months.

One of the foremost reasons includes the black charred look which may not be the expected sight in the next two- three months, locals here said. The valley will only revive after the monsoon season. “Another reason is because this year the fire was widespread, it has also attracted a lot of national and international media attention which will have an adverse effect on the inflow of visitors,” said David Angami, President of the Nagaland Tourism Association.

An official from the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) informed that during peak season, the valley gets around 250 visitors or more in a day.

Over the years, entry ticket fee or charges levied from use of amenities such as bed, beddings, food among others have become sources of income for people here. Entry tickets to the valley are priced at Rs. 20-Rs. 200 ranging from local to international tourists apart from amenities which are available on payment. 

Guides and tour and travel operators are also affected. Visitors are advised to use guides or get the help of tour operators for their visit to the valley. A leading tour operator’s branch in Nagaland, India Trail informed that in 2019 it arranged the visit of around 5,000 to the valley. Meanwhile, a registered tour guide in the region informed that at the most he can make around Rs. 10,000 per month. He is paid Rs. 1000-2000 in a go. 

There is hope however that with the onset of spring, and monsoon, things will begin to normalize. The valley has experienced several wildfires before. In 2018, a previous wildfire believed to have been caused by some tourists damaged a part of the valley.

“Come spring, the flowers and the charm of Dzükou will usher in more tourists,” one person hoped.

The NTA President also hoped that stakeholders like the Southern Angami Youth Organization, Southern Angami Public Organization, the administration and those involved in the tourism industry will work to come up with proper safety guidelines and policies to safeguard the valley. “We have to be careful of how we exploit the valley,” he said. 

With the valley opening up to visitors in February, he advised curbing the number of visitors to the valley to a certain limit a day. This, he said would help in better management and keep environment unpolluted and preserved. 

He further stated that with so many visitors to the valley, fires are not the only hazard. Pollution and degradation is another concern. Modalities need be worked out where avenues for waste management, increase of toilets etc can be made. That way fees can be increased accordingly, while looking at the future prospect, Angami said.