Eco-tourism development in Ukhrul district

Ningmareo Shimray *

In simple words, eco-tourism means management of tourism and conservation of nature in a way so as to maintain a fine balance between the requirements of tourism and ecology on one hand for jobs- new skills, income generating employment and a better status for women as the other.

Eco-tourism has recently come to be regarded as the panacea that enables us to aggressively seek tourism dollars with no harmful damage to eco-system, since wild resources are not being harvested and there is no apparent associated development.

Eco-tourism promotes conservation, has low visitor-impact and provides beneficially active socio-economic involvement for local people. Conservation, sustainability and biological diversity are three inter-related aspects of eco-tourism.

Some of the breath-taking tourist spots in Ukhrul are:

Shirui Hills' Shirui Lily: Manipur's unique gift to the floral wealth of the world, flourishes only on Shirui Hills. It is a mystery as well as a challenge to the scientists and horticulturists why this flower cannot be grown outside the climate and eco-system of Shirui hills.

The Shirui lily is not the only flower that grows there. The Shirui hills is a home to a variety of lovely flowers that grow during different parts of the year. For example, the flourishing of Shirui lily is followed by the white summer flowers which bloom between June and August each year and on the rocky slopes one can see flowering Orchids.

Khangkhui Caves: This is another tourist spot in UKhrukl district which is worth visiting. It is a thrilling experience to pass through this long and dark cave.

Phangrei: This is a beautiful mountain range situated next to Shirui hills. It is a famous picnic spot of the people. It is famous for the installation of the only wind mill in Ukhrul.

Telie Tea Garden: It is famous for its scenic beauty. It produces tea of very high quality. It is another famous picnic spot in Ukhrul. Khayang Waterfall: This is the only waterfall in Ukhrul, big enough to attract tourists. So far, very few tourists have visited this beautiful waterfall mainly due to transportation difficulties.

Khachaophung Lake: This is another place in Ukhrul, which in its pristine state, has tremendous potential to attract many tourists. Eco-tourism in Ukhrul district of Manipur has immense prospects. Ukhrul with her never ending wonders could be favourite destination for many Indian and foreign travelers and bring about the much needed economic development. Tourism is already the largest source of foreign exchange in countries like Costa Rica and Brazil. In India, Goa has proved that tourism can provide large number of employment opportunities and generate which amount of foreign exchange.

However, some of the problems which hinder the development of eco-tourism in Ukhrul include lack of proper means of transportation and communication; restrictions imposed on Indians and foreign tourists by both the government of India and Manipur, security problem on account of presence of large number of underground activists and lack of proper accommodation facilities for the tourists.

Some of the important measures that should be taken up to bring about eco-tourism development in Ukhrul are:

1) Extensive advertisements through local, state and national newspapers, popular magazines, TV, radio and internet.

2) Create awareness among the people of Ukhrul through campaign, workshop, seminar and mass media on potentials of eco-tourism development in Ukhrul.

3) Relaxation of entry formalities for both Indian and foreign tourists.

4) Active involvement of people from surrounding villages of the tourist spots.

5) It is hope that the development of eco-tourism in Ukhrul can surely enable the people of Ukhrul to live prosperously in harmony with the environment.