Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the “Tribal Cultural Experience” project in Chümoukedima district of Nagaland on Thursday. The prime minister virtually inaugurated the project from Srinagar along with 51 other projects in different parts of the country as part of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
The “Tribal Cultural Experience” project under the Ministry of Tourism aims to promote tribal cultural experiences to visitors at the recreation centre Midway Retreat at Tsiepama village along National Highway 29.
State Tourism Commissioner & Secretary I Kitto Zhimomi said Nagaland missed out on the industrial and green revolution but should take advantage of joining the bandwagon of the tourism sector, an India Today NE report said.
He said that various projects in six districts of Peren, Kohima, Wokha, Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang have been completed under the first phase of the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, projects are being taken up in Niuland and Chümoukedima districts.
He said that the state government will soon inaugurate the projects completed under Swadesh Darshan 1.0 in the state.
President of the Nagaland Association of Tour Operators, Kejaroko Pieru, said that without adequate facilities and infrastructure, a rural and remote destination like Nagaland will continue to miss out on the benefits that tourism can bring.
The development of tourism is not just about creating picturesque spots for visitors but it is about empowering the local communities, preserving the cultural heritage, and creating sustainable livelihoods for our people, Pieru said.
Tsiepama Village Council chairman Seyievizo Visezuo assured the department of all cooperation.
PM launches 52 tourism sector projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated nine tourism infrastructure projects, spread across the country, developed under Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) schemes, worth Rs 469 Crore through Video Conferencing from Srinagar.
Further, 43 other projects for Rs 963 Crore were also launched by him, under the Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) schemes of the Ministry of Tourism. The project launch events were carried out at all the 52 destinations, simultaneously, by coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, State Government / UT administrations and local authorities.
Additionally, with an objective of fostering growth and development of tourism destinations in a responsible and sustainable manner as Jan Bhagidari Initiatives Prime Minister has also launched 3 visionary campaigns and schemes for tourism sector- ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024’, the Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign, and Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), according to an official report.
During the event held at Srinagar today, the Prime Minister requested the tourists to spend at least 5-10% of their total budget in purchasing local items from local communities of the tourist destinations.