Under the ‘Dekho Apna Pradesh’ tourist exchange programme of the tourism department, twenty tourists from Tawang, East Kameng, West Kameng, West Siang and Upper Subansiri districts have arrived here in Lower Dibang Valley (LDV) district. The initiative was taken by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. 

Tour operator Neharika Sahgel Umbrey organized a semi-formal event at her residence where the tourists were introduced to the Idu Mishmi and the Adi folk cultures and the local cuisine.

Umbrey being the only female tour operator in the state, single-handedly runs her A1 Travel Management Company, functioning as the operator, guide as well as chauffeur for her tourists.

According to Umbrey, the 10-day tour, which started from the state capital, will conclude in Miao in Changlang district.

“After a three-day stop at Roing, the team will head to Tezu, Wakro, Namsai, Miao, Ledu Road, Jairampur, back to Miao before returning to Itanagar. We will visit the Namdapha National Park in Miao for bird and butterfly watching, and will also visit the 2nd World War memorial in Jairampur,” she said.

She also advised the tourists to not litter during their visit to these places.

LDV DC KN Damo appreciated the cultural exchange programme and called it “a great initiative of the state government.”

“Unlike the older days, today, communication across the state is easy with the convenience of bridges and roads connecting the whole of the state with each other. It is very important to know and learn each other’s culture and traditions,” he said, encouraging the inter-tribal marriages.

While speaking about keeping the mountain clean and green, he encouraged the people to avoid packaged drinking water. He said, “Apart from the fact that it creates huge plastic waste, the purity and cleanliness of the water is uncertain. It is better to drink our natural water, which is clean and safer. Just remember to boil the water before consuming.”

Everester Tine Mena also welcomed the tourists to her hometown. She shared her experience of climbing Mt Everest by saying that the mountains are kept very clean and All the garbage is collected and brought down, including human excreta. This human waste is turned into manure and put to good use.

She also advised homestay providers to make their guests’ stay memorable by showing their culture.