Darak, Feb 22: In a bid to strengthen eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation, the Darak Tourism & Social Welfare Foundation has launched a twin initiative — establishment of an orchid sanctuary and implementation of GPS-based digital mapping across major tourist and public locations in Darak under West Siang district.
On February 15 and 18, the NGO, in collaboration with the District Agriculture Office, Aalo, carried out scientific soil sample collection at the proposed orchid sanctuary site. The collected samples will be examined at GTC Pasighat following recommendations of the Agriculture Dept to assess suitability for orchid cultivation and conservation.
The sanctuary is proposed to focus on the conservation of the Fox-tailed Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa), the state flower of Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative aims to transform Darak into a centre for orchid research, conservation, and eco-tourism, while contributing to global biodiversity goals under the United Nations Sustainable Development framework.
In another key development, from February 17 to 19, the Foundation installed GPS devices and integrated important locations in Darak circle with Google Maps to facilitate accurate navigation and improve tourist accessibility. Technical assistance for the project was provided by M/S Benji Enterprises, Aalo.
Darak, situated along the Mechuka bypass route about 15 km from Kamba and 35 km from Aalo, has been steadily emerging as an adventure and eco-tourism destination, offering activities such as angling, trekking, kayaking, bird watching, cave exploration, and spiritual tourism. The village also hosts the annual Darak Ecotourism-cum-Angling Festival, launched in 2019, which is now entering its fifth edition and attracting anglers from different parts of the country.
Key tourist destinations mapped under the GPS initiative include Benji Line Temple, Penru Cave, Ruku Waterfall, Kamru (a traditional clay source), Pegi Yorlo Eco Camp, trekking routes, Rupdi Dedi Waterfall, and the angling sport field. Public facilities such as the medical centre, police station, petrol pump, schools, market area, and PWD Inspection Bungalow have also been digitally mapped for the convenience of visitors and residents.
Located close to Darak is the Yordi Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary, the only wildlife sanctuary in West Siang and the latest notified sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, known for its rich flora and fauna and growing interest among researchers and nature enthusiasts.
The Foundation stated that combining ecological conservation with modern navigation technology is essential to developing Darak as a safe, research-friendly, and sustainable tourism destination.