Sikkim to provide technical support to boost Aruchal's tourism

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Seppa (Aruchal), Jan 21: The maiden three-day Kameng River Festival 2016, went off to a colourful start at picturesque Pacha Morang village in the west bank of mighty Kameng river here on Thursday with Sikkim Tourism Parliamentary Secretary D N Sherpa declaring it open by lighting the traditiol lamp.

Overnight continuous downpour, however, could not dampen the spirit of the people who thronged the venue since morning to be a part of the mega tourism extravaganza.

Sherpa who had to travel by road from Guwahati since Wednesday as chopper fails to take of due to inclement weather, was in all-out praise for Seppa, the headquarter town of East Kameng district and its people for their hospitable ture.

Sherpa while announcing to provide technological support from his state to boost the tourism industry of Aruchal Pradesh, called for inculcating the spirit of discipline, the success mantra for success story of tourism in Sikkim.

“Sikkim has close resemblance with Aruchal and both the states could help each other in development of tourism and other industries.... I assure you of providing all the technical knowhow to develop the tourism industry in the state by sending experts soon to suggest the state government,” he said.

“Development of tourism depends on concerted efforts and all stakeholders must join hands for its development in the state,” he added.

Clad in traditiol Nyishi Pari Ege (shawl), muffler and Bopia (head gear), Sherpa disclosed that the success story of Sikkim tourism industry was because of peace prevailing in the Himalayan state and called upon the people to create conducive atmosphere and not to charge high rates from tourists visiting the state.

State PWD Parliamentary Secretary Alo Libang speaking on the occasion said that tourism industry in the state could be a money spinner if its potentials were harnessed to the fullest.

Tourism Parliamentary secretary Mama tung while stressing on tourism marketing called for creating conducive atmosphere in the state to woo tourists by sensitizing the people. Assuring all support Power, Tax & Excise Parliamentary Secretary Tapuk Taku urged the people of East Kameng to strive for keeping the Kameng river clean, which he said, could be a source of livelihood if tourism industry developed in the district

Health & Family welfare Parliamentary Secretary Karya Bagang advocated for preservation of wildlife and environment for development of eco tourism in the district.

East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) chairman Khya Safar Pao called upon the people to whole heartedly participate in the festival and be polite with the visitors.

He said, the objective of the festival is to showcase the hidden cultural diversity of the five tribes of the district mely Nyishi, Puroik, Aka, Sajolangs and the Galo, to develop the district as a popular tourist destitions of the state and to promote cultural and commul harmony.

Demonstration of folk songs and dances, indigenous games and sports events like bamboo stilt walk, cock fight, archery, pole climbing, hop jump, adventure sports like white water rafting, para gliding and angling besides ethnic fashion show, food festival and traditiol exhibitions were major highlights of the three-day tourism extravaganza.

The festival is being organised by EKSWCO, district administration and state tourism department.