Kohima, November 27 (MExN): Tourist Information Centre at Dzüleke was inaugurated by C Apok Jamir, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism on November 27.
The Dzüleke Eco-Tourism Initiative has been started with a view to conserve the natural resources of the village to achieve sustainable forest management through eco-tourism. As part of the initiative Dzüleke Eco-tourism Board is promoting homestays facilities and other tourist attraction. The project is the initiative of North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA) in association with Dzüleke village and supported by Tata Trust.
C Apok Jamir, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism speaking at the function said that tourism is the biggest industry in the world and also one of the fastest growing industries and therefore with all the potentiality in tourism there should be responsibility to ensure equitable balance in the growth. He opined that sustainable tourism is one area which all of us must emphasise on because without sustainable development social progress, economic development and protection of environment cannot be achieved.
He also expressed happiness on the initiative taken up by Dzüleke Tourism Board and NEIDA in imparting awareness, social responsibility of protecting the environment and also giving guidance to the local community to benefit economically through eco tourism. Stressing on sustainable responsibility, he said, that is the responsibility of every section of the society to ensure that environment is protected and social progression in every aspect of life.
He lamented that responsibility, awareness and balance should be initiated by all so that not only this generation but the coming generation will be benefited by the responsible approach.
“Tourism is one industry in Nagaland which can provide livelihood especially for people living in rural areas,” he stated. He also added that with the increasing inflow of tourist in the area there should be guideline and instruction which needs to be followed in order to protect and safeguard the environment. He also said that media can play a vital role in promoting the tourism aspect of Nagaland to the rest of the world in a very positive prospective.
Sentimongla Kechuchar, NEIDA gave an overview of the project and said that the project to make Dzüleke an eco- tourism village an eco- tourism village was started in 2013 with support from Tata Trust. She said that in order to conserve the ecosystem and make it sustainable; tourism was encouraged so that the village can generate their livelihood through eco-tourism. NEIDA, based on Standing Operating Procedure (SOP), also plans to expand the project in Thanamir and Fakim. She expressed hope that Dzüleke will set the benchmark for such eco-tourism projects in the State.
Avi Khate, Chairman, Dzüleke Eco-tourism Board (DETB) sharing the experience of the project said that the village have benefitted from it and that there was a marked increase in the inflow of tourists.
A press note stated here that C Apok Jamir inaugurated the information centre and inspected two homestays run by the locals. Invocation prayer was pronounced by Letso Meyase pastor Dzuleke Baptist church. Welcome address was given by Vitsepielie Sophi DVC and vote of thanks was proposed by Dharani Ratno Executive Director NEIDA. Kevisono Meyase shared her experiences as a homestay owner. A special song was presented by the Dzüleke village choir.
