IMPHAL August 20: A three-day adventure and ecotourism awareness camp commenced today at Shilheipung Ecotourism centre and crafts village, Leimakhong Mapal, Imphal East.
30youths from different parts ofthe state are taking part in the said awareness camp. The programmed is sponsored by the India Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and organized by Creations Society for Handicrafts and Goodwill, Imphal in technical assistance from the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking association and Seven sisters Holidays.
The main objectives of the programe as highlighted by Somorendro Huidrom, secretary of Shilheipung eco park is to create awareness about potentials of tourism in Manipur and its relevance with the local livelihood and economy. The course will impart training on basic skill development which will empower the youths to play a greater role in the diversified tourism services and hence in the creation of job opportunities and income enhancement, he said.
The chief guest of the programme K.K chhetri, IAS, Commissioner, Tourism, in his speech highlighted on the involvement of rural youths in the preservation and conservation of natural surroundings and development of socio cultural aspect of rural environment.
Herein the youths should be provided serious adequate basic training which will empower them to greater role as a guide, or an operator in the larger context. M. Lakshmikumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East District, presided over the program and he emphaised that there is an immense tourism potentials in Imphal East that needs to be tapped with conscious efforts.
Chana Lukhoi, Guest of honour, of the programme, reiterated the need to trace back on the historical importance of the place.
Rupachandra Yumnam,also the guest of honour, emphasized that tourism has many perspectives and there is ample scope in the development of tourism through proper infrastructure development including roads, parks, and other public spaces can be developed and improved both for visitors and local residents through increased tourism activity in a region. Besides, there are many social benefits that the community identity and pride can be generated through tourism.
