SHERGAON, 8 Mar: West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar said that the district, with its scenic landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and the warm hospitality of local communities has immense potential to be developed as a prominent ecotourism destination.
Describing Shergaon as a remarkable example of harmonious coexistence between people and nature, surrounded by pristine forests, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural traditions, he emphasised on promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism in ecologically rich regions like West Kameng, noting that such initiatives provide a valuable platform to showcase the ecological wealth, traditional knowledge systems, and the unique culinary heritage of the region.
The DC was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day ‘Eco Harmony Fest – The Responsible Tourism Meet 2.0 (Biodiversity & Cultural Trails)’, which began at Shergaon village in West Kameng district on 7 February.
Emphasising the theme of the festival – ‘Biodiversity and Culinary Trails’ – the deputy commissioner stated that the forests and natural landscapes of Shergaon offer a wide range of edible plants, herbs, mushrooms, and organic produce that form the foundation of the region’s traditional cuisine.
He observed that culinary traditions in the area reflect generations of indigenous knowledge about local agriculture, forests, and seasonal produce.
The deputy commissioner also underlined the growing global interest in ecotourism and village tourism, where visitors seek authentic experiences connected with nature, local culture, and traditional lifestyles. He stated that tourism development in fragile mountain ecosystems must be community-based, environmentally responsible, and conservation-oriented.
Encouraging community participation, he suggested promoting homestays, biodiversity trails, nature interpretation walks, and culinary tourism to provide meaningful experiences to visitors while generating livelihood opportunities for local youths.
The deputy commissioner also highlighted the importance of eco-friendly infrastructure, waste management practices, and the use of sustainable materials such as bamboo and wood to ensure that tourism growth does not compromise the ecological balance of the region.
He said that protecting forests, rivers, and biodiversity is not only an environmental responsibility but also essential for long-term economic opportunities through nature-based tourism.
He expressed confidence that Shergaon has the potential to emerge as a model ecotourism village in Arunachal Pradesh, where biodiversity conservation, traditional food systems, and cultural heritage can be preserved while promoting sustainable development.
The first day of the festival witnessed enthusiastic participation of local communities, tourism stakeholders, and visitors, highlighting Shergaon’s unique identity as a destination that celebrates nature, culture, and traditional knowledge.
The event is being organised by the tourism department, bringing together tourism stakeholders, community members, and experts to celebrate the region’s rich biodiversity, traditional food heritage, and ecotourism potential.
Kalaktang MLA Tsetan Chombay, Tourism Director Rujum Rakshap, North Eastern Council member TN Thondok, union Tourism Assistant Director Senthel Kumaran, panchayat and community leaders, officers of the tourism department, and resource persons from various parts of the country attended the inaugural day. (DIPRO)
