SHERGAON, Mar 8: The three-day Eco Harmony Fest – The Responsible Tourism Meet 2.0 (Biodiversity & Cultural Trails) began at Shergaon village in West Kameng district on Saturday. The event is being organised by the Department of Tourism, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh to highlight the region’s rich biodiversity, traditional food heritage and eco-tourism potential.
Kalaktang MLA Tsetan Chombay attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest, while West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar was present as the guest of honour. Other dignitaries present included Tourism Director Rujum Rakshap, member of the North Eastern Council TN Thongdok, Assistant Director of Tourism (Ministry of Tourism) Senthel Kumaran, along with ZPMs, Panchayat and community leaders, officials of the Tourism Department and resource persons from different parts of the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism in ecologically rich regions like West Kameng. He described Shergaon as a unique example of harmonious coexistence between people and nature, surrounded by pristine forests, rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural traditions.
Referring to the festival theme — Biodiversity and Culinary Trails, he said the forests and landscapes of Shergaon provide a wide range of edible plants, herbs, mushrooms and organic produce that form the basis of the region’s traditional cuisine. Such culinary traditions, he said, reflect generations of indigenous knowledge about local agriculture, forests and seasonal produce.
The DC also noted the growing global interest in eco-tourism and village tourism, where visitors seek authentic experiences connected with nature, local culture and traditional lifestyles. He said West Kameng, with its scenic beauty, diverse flora and fauna and warm community hospitality, has immense potential to emerge as a major eco-tourism destination if developed responsibly.
Emphasizing the need for conservation-oriented tourism, he encouraged the promotion of homestays, biodiversity trails, nature walks and culinary tourism to create livelihood opportunities for local youth while preserving the environment. He also stressed the importance of eco-friendly infrastructure, proper waste management and the use of sustainable materials such as bamboo and wood to maintain the ecological balance of the region.
The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from local communities, tourism stakeholders and visitors, highlighting Shergaon’s identity as a destination that celebrates nature, culture and traditional knowledge. The opening day concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting responsible tourism and environmental conservation in the region. (DIPRO)