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In order to break the negative loop, we need to create a “positive or virtuous loop”. The effort toward recognizing tourism sector having huge potential for employment generation would harbinger this “virtuous loop”. For instance: ‘Inclusion in tourist circuit- boom in tourism activities- employment opportunities – economic development- reduction in security issues- inclusive development’. ‘The inclusion’ will have ripple effects on other sectors as well leading to overall growth and development.
Today, as one travel from Kanubari to Longding- one can see many travelers from neighboring state enjoying the beautiful & mesmerizing natural beauty of the district. In Longding many travelers do visit, but ‘tourists are few’- i.e people visit for a minimum duration not maximum and the visits is not remunerative for the people of the district- the scenario may change positively with inclusion into the circuit. Also, due to exclusion, the district is deprived of various wonderful programs and schemes of the Govt related to tourism sector.
My point is simple, that security concern is obviously important and we must ensure the security of the tourist- for that necessary planning related to tourist routes and discussions with all the stakeholders can be held. But this concern cannot be an everlasting or never-ending excuse which devoid the district from being included in Tourist Circuit map. Instead, Security Issues (augured by underdevelopment and unemployment)- should be the very reasons that sectors like tourism be promoted. In fact, this sector may also be used as rehabilitative measures for surrendered outfit by providing an alternative livelihood option.
I understand, that getting included in tourist circuit is not the panacea for all the ills and issues that the district is confronting. But I can emphatically argue that it’s definitely significant part of the solution. As rightly opined by Our CM Pema Khandu “Changlang and Longding in the eastern part of the State — also need to be included in tourist circuit so that they developed at par with other parts of the State”. Being included in the ‘tourist circuit’ has been the long cherished ‘dream’ of the Longding denizens. If the dream becomes a reality, I am sure it will harbinger a ‘virtuous circle’ of resilient, self-reliant and inclusive development.
(Writer is DIPRO Longding and In-charge District Tourism Officer)