AALO, Oct 13: The Darak Eco-Tourism cum Angling Festival (DETAF) 4.0, which got underway on Sunday, was attended by Nyato Dukam, Minister of Commerce & Industries, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Textile & Handicraft, Trade & Commerce, Sericulture, IPR, Labour and Employment, on the second day today.
On the occasion, Dukam felicitated the sponsors and anglers, and released a guidebook on Darak Tourism. In his address, the chief guest urged the people of Darak to preserve the rich flora, fauna, and aquatic life of the region, as the area is naturally blessed with immense tourism potential.
He mentioned that sites like Benji Line, nestled on a hillock near the beautiful confluence of the Sissa and Siyik rivers between Poyom and Boru Raksap villages, have great potential as tourist and pilgrimage destinations. He also highlighted other attractions such as the Penru (Bat Cave), an ancient cave near Larmuk Potom, and several scenic waterfalls.
The Minister assured the festival organizing committee that he would personally pursue with the government to declare DETAF as a calendar event. He emphasized the importance of conserving the Golden Mahseer, a prized fish species, and urged the community to focus on skill development for sustainable livelihood.
He also appealed to the people to stop hunting to protect the region’s biodiversity. On Monday, the Minister flagged off the angling event—one of the major attractions of the festival—and inaugurated a three-hour trekking expedition. The festival will continue till 14th October.
Topin Ete, local MLA and BJP Spokesperson, urged the people of Darak area to prioritize hospitality, noting that Darak has emerged as a popular eco-tourism destination. He also encouraged the promotion of homestays in Darak and nearby villages to boost rural tourism.
Chief patron and CO Darak, Todak Riba also spoke.
Earlier, Doya Boje, president CEC (DETAF), highlighted the objectives of the festival. He appealed to the local youths to promote and preserve traditional cuisine, emphasizing tourists from across the country visit the Darak Eco-Tourism cum Angling Festival.
The festival was attended by thousands of visitors, including tourists, anglers, trekkers, officers, and various cultural troupes, making the event a grand success. (DIPRO)