Ecotourism complexes inaugurated
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 26 2021: The ongoing efforts of the state government as well as other agencies to boost and promote ecotourism in the state by adding more attractive destinations and centres of tourist interest received another shot in the arm with the inauguration of Ecotourism Complexes in Ramrei and Muirei villages on Monday.

The inauguration programme was attended by IAS (retd) and NEC Shillong former secretary Ram Muivah as chief guest; UDCRMS chairman and Ukhrul district deputy commissioner Krishna Kumar, Kamjong district deputy commissioner Rangnamei Rang Peter and NERCORMP Shillong director (Technical) Kailianlal Vaiphei as guests of honour along with District Project Director UDCRMS/NER-CORMP, Ukhrul District Lily Rose Jajo, other officials of the implementing agency and invitees.

The chief guest unveiled monuments of the two facilities to mark the inauguration of the complex.

Funded by North Eastern Council (NEC) and implemented by Ukhrul District Community Resource Management Society (UDCRMS)/NERCORMP under the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project, the Ecotourism Complexes consist of a well-furnished and modern double storey guest house with all the accompanying facilities for a comfortable stay for the tourists at Muirei and a market shed at Ramrei Tourist centre.

Three speedboats were also launched for the tourists to enjoy the beauty of the lake formed by Mapithel Dam up close with life jackets to ensure safety of the tourists.

The guest house with ten rooms has only one bed each as of now.

There is a kitchen and dining room as well.

The fees and person to contact will be finalised in the month of November and will be informed to the public accordingly.

These facilities will be operated by the villagers under the supervision of UDCRMS.

While these added facilities will definitely bring in more tourists and boost ecotourism in the state directly and indirectly benefitting the villages in and around these tourist spots, there is still apprehension among many about the potential damage to the natural environment such as increased littering and destruction of natural habitats of both humans and wildlife to accommodate and cater to the increasing tourists if strict and sustained steps are not taken up and implemented to check them.

But if these facilities and complexes are being utilized in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner, the potential for growth of tourism industry in the state is limited only by the efforts or lack thereof of the stakeholders.

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