With the aim to promote eco-tourism in the state, North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA), an initiative of the Tata Trusts, constructed Dzüleke Tourist Information Centre, inaugurated by parliamentary secretary for Tourism C. Apok Jamir at Dzüleke village under Kohima district on Monday, some 30 km away from the state capital.
Jamir in his address said tourism was the biggest and fastest growing industry in the world and informed that this year United Nations had declared International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. He said one of the biggest potential in Nagaland was tourism industry due to its bountiful nature, beauty and landscape to provide livelihood to people. However, he said the potentiality of tourism should be utilized with responsibility and balance.
He said tourism has three major aspects, like social progress, economic development, protection of environment and climate changes. He reminded the gathering that the tourist should visit with proper guideline to preserve the nature and environment. He cautioned that too many tourists without proper government’s policy would have negative effect.
Sentimongla Kechuchar from NEIDA in her address said conservation of forest and nature alone cannot sustain in the long run unless it was sustained by attracting tourists. She informed that it was for this reason that NEIDA constructed tourist information centre for Dzüleke village. She informed that the villagers have been trained to maintain the Dzüleke Eco-Tourism Board (DETB).
Chairman Dzüleke Eco-Tourism Board, Avi Khate in his address said the conservation of forest and nature was started by 1999 in the village. He also shared the on revenue earned by the villagers through picnic, camping, trekking and others. Kevisono Meyase one of the owner shared her experiences on homestay.
Earlier, parliamentary secretary unveiled the monolith. Programme was chaired by Avelu, invocation prayer by Letso Meyase pastor Dzüleke Baptist church, welcome speech delivered by Vitsepielie Sophi chairman Dzüleke village council, welcome song by Dzüleke village choir while vote of thanks was proposed by Dharani Ratno, executive director NEIDA. Programme was attended by NEIDA staff, tourism department officials, villagers and others. Dzüleke Tourist Information Centre would be managed and maintained by Dzüleke Eco-Tourism Board (DETB).