A group of dedicated village leaders from Arunachal Pradesh’s 39th Mebo Assembly Constituency recently returned from a transformative two-day eco-tourism tour of Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros population. The trip, which took place from November 7th to 9th, 2024, was designed to immerse participants in the principles of eco-tourism and conservation, equipping them with knowledge and inspiration to replicate these strategies within their own communities.
The delegation, comprised of Head Gaon Burahs (HGBs), Gaon Burahs (GBs), village secretaries, and cleanliness mission leaders, embarked on the journey with a clear objective: to study Kaziranga’s successful model of integrating eco-tourism, homestays, and wildlife conservation. Their focus was on applying these lessons to the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in East Siang District, a region teeming with vibrant villages such as Sigar, Motum, Borguli, Seram, and Namsing.
The trip was officially launched by Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, accompanied by Extra Assistant Commissioner Toni Mitkong, local leaders, military personnel from the Sigar Military Station, and other village officials. Supported by the Sigar Military Station, the group traveled in two buses from Mebo Char-ali to Kaziranga.
During the flag-off ceremony, MLA Tayeng emphasized the significance of this exposure trip, stating that it would inspire village authorities to view eco-tourism as a pathway to both economic growth and environmental stewardship. He praised the strong civil-military partnership that facilitated the trip, a collaboration that mirrors the area’s commitment to sustainable development.
Kaziranga’s eco-tourism model offered the village leaders firsthand insights into how conservation can be both economically beneficial and culturally enriching. Leaders like Kalom Lego, President of the Monggu Banggo Gaon Burah Association, and Tikeng Perme, President of the Upper/Mebo Banggo Gaon Burah Association, expressed their hope that the trip would motivate similar eco-conscious efforts within their communities.
Upon their return, participants reflected on the importance of adapting Kaziranga’s approach to their local environment. Okar Megu, Head Gaon Burah of Motum, expressed a vision for implementing eco-tourism around D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary once boundary disputes with nearby public areas are resolved. Extra Assistant Commissioner Mitkong observed that the delegation’s experience showcased how tourism has benefited Kaziranga’s local population, particularly the Karbi people, whose livelihoods have flourished through eco-friendly practices.
The visit coincided with the celebration of the Adi tribe’s Pimey festival, traditionally a hunting event. This year, the festival was commemorated in Kaziranga with an emphasis on wildlife preservation. This shift resonated deeply with the group, reinforcing the importance of conservation amidst cultural heritage.
The trip also included a plantation drive at Kaziranga’s Bagori Range, where the delegates, alongside local forest officers, planted Ketir Momir and Burey (Burmese grape) saplings. Kaziranga’s Field Director, Ms. Sonali Ghosh, assured the group that the forest staff would continue to care for the young plants. Additionally, the team exchanged saplings with the NGO “Aaranyak,” further strengthening the environmental bond between the two regions.
Inspired by Kaziranga’s example, the delegation returned with a renewed commitment to fostering eco-tourism and preserving the natural beauty of their own region. This exposure tour offered them not only a practical learning experience but also a vision of how eco-tourism could enhance local livelihoods while honoring and protecting the environment.
