Behaviorial change needed to boost tourism industry: Rijiju

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Nov 23: The three-day Bomdila Festival-2015 went off to a colorful start on Sunday at picturesque Bomdila, the headquarters of West Kameng district, showcasing the unique cultural mosaic of the State.  

“People from rest of India are keen to visit NE region but get scared to visit for the negative impact of insurgency. Though communication and infrastructure facilities pose problems, but what is needed is behavioural change of the people, particularly tour operators to attract tourists,” Union MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju said while addressing the gathering.

He advocated launching mass awareness on how to treat the visitors, what to show them, acquaint them with high attitude problems, proper guidance and send them back as our brand ambassador, an official report said here today.   

“Tourism, known as smokeless but largest industry in the world,” he said and called for steps for the tourism sector to take up to benefit the masses by generating revenue and employment.

The Centre releases over Rs 516 crore monthly to the State government he said, reacting to the common feeling of fincial crisis, adding Union MoS (Fince) Jayant Sinha during his recent Itagar visit found that there was no dearth of fund but the State lacked in fund allocation & project implementation.

 “I will travel from Bhalukpong to till Tawang to see whether Border Road Organization is keeping its promise to bring changes in condition of road for traveling,” added Rijiju.

Enlisting the tourism activities, including adventure & culture, Rijiju said the Centre would sanction Rs 150 crore to State’s tourism sector, including West Kameng by next month. He announced to arrange fund annually for this festival from next year.

He suggested Intertiol Tourism Festival at Tawang to continue but revive Buddha Mohatsava at Bomdila while this indigenous festival could be celebrated at different locations on rotation basis.

The Centre would not distinguish on party line for the development of the people which should be accountable; he said and urged to draw his attention for any lacu in the central government. “I cannot give my MP fund to every house but I will give it to every circle and areas for developmental activities. What I required is only cooperation from concerned authority and public,” added Rijiju.

Hundreds of visitors thronged Buddha Stadium, the venue where district’s six major tribes – Monpa, Miji (Sajolang), Aka (Hrusso), Sherdukpen, Sartang & Bugun – demonstrated their rituals, exhibited their traditiol attires, orments  besides offering mouth-watering local dishes for the visitors to relish, while the visitors, particularly the youth evinced keen interest in the ‘Know your Army’ stalls.

Host of senior Army, civil officers including SP Dr A Koan, PRI leaders, GBs, among others were present, among the huge gathering.

The cultural programmes, in the evening attended by 5 Mountain Division GOC Maj Gen G Jaishankar as chief guest, punctuated by thunderous applause had a magic spell over the audience.