Everyone knows that Tourism is the 2nd largest industry in the world. With the gifted landscape and rich cultural heritage Manipur too have the potential of becoming a tourist destination. To make the state a tourist destination we the people under the initiative of the government need to do a lot of things. The government is doing some good work by organising events like Sangai Festival to attract tourist from outside the state as well as abroad. But to some people the festival was a curse as the way it was witness in the last year or years before was most terrible.
Traffic jam, congestion, dust storm and standing in queue for hours to visit the festival site were not what was expected by the locals as well as the tourist.
But this time the government has plan something different to make people convenience in celebrating the festival. As per the organising committee the festival will not be concentrated at a single place. Even though we do not know how the festival will be this time the way the government is taking the festival with extreme seriousness is needed to be appreciated.
The much anticipated extravaganza conceptualized to showcase and promote the diverse socio-cultural heritage and the rich traditional wealth of the state is just around 50 days to go.
Effort is being made to transform Imphal city to attract the foreign and domestic tourist.
If previous instances are any indications, we will be seeing a change in inertia and a visible drop in enthusiasm making the whole efforts an exercise in futility. The incredible potential for attracting tourism in the State has been well known and even documented. From the enchanting misty mountains to the incredibly beautiful ethnic handiworks and crafts, from the inherently hospitable people to the excellent climatic condition, the unbelievably beautiful and mysterious caves and lakes- this small state has it all, and in no small measures.
This naturally endowed land has been wasted and neglected for centuries, our inability to see the big picture, occupied as we are in finding ways to secure our own personal lives through means fair or foul being the main reason. With the air connectivity with our neighbouring Asian countries a reality now, it would be an act of utter foolishness not to cash in on the euphoria and enthusiasm such a development has created. Without going into the details of the nitty-gritty of tourism and it’s pros and cons, it is an undeniable truth that with proper planning, timely and effective checks and due diligence, tourism would only improve the economy, change the perceptions of the local people towards the visitors and their way of life, adopt a more tolerant view of things and most importantly help in propagating our cultures and traditions throughout the world. For all these to happen, basic infrastructures and basic amenities must be put in place and make the whole state a tourist friendly one.
A lot more needs to be done to be where we want this State to be from where we are now. Only a dedicated, committed and sustained effort can make things possible. Working in fits and starts will get us nowhere.
