In a bid to promote sustainable livelihoods and conservation-driven development, the Tamenglong Forest Division, under the proactive guidance of Anurag Bajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) & Head of Forest Force (HoFF), and Additional Chief Secretary (Commerce & Industries, TA & Hills), has initiated a series of people-centric, income-generating programs across the district.
As part of this initiative, a Consultative Workshop-cum-Awareness Programme on Eco-Tourism was recently held at Keikao (Namkaolong) village, aimed at fostering eco-tourism potential in the area. The event specifically focused on promoting the Arai Bat Cave and the nearby natural swimming pool as eco-tourism attractions. The program was presided over by Kadirei Kamei, Chairman of Keikao (Namkaolong) Village Authority, and featured insights from key resource persons including Kh. Hitler Singh, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Tamenglong; Joel Gangmei, Range Forest Officer (RFO), Tamenglong; and A. Promeshwor Singh, RFO, Tousem.
Around 40 members of the village authority attended the workshop, where the Forest Department assured support in developing eco-tourism infrastructure and services around the natural sites. The initiative is expected to enhance community engagement in conservation efforts while generating local employment.
The team also conducted a site visit to Khoupanglang Cave, located near the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Tamenglong Headquarters. Guided by RK Lungsangai, the site was identified as another promising location for future eco-tourism development.
In a related development, another Workshop-cum-Introduction to Carbon Financing Projects was held at Azuram Village, which possesses a designated Community Reserve spanning 5.81 sq. km. The workshop was chaired by Meitholin Riamei, Chairman of Azuram Village Authority. Discussions highlighted the village forest’s potential in sequestering significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide—thereby contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
The Forest Department of Manipur, in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), will spearhead the implementation of such carbon financing projects across the state. These initiatives are expected to offer financial incentives to communities while reinforcing environmental sustainability.
With eco-tourism and carbon finance gaining momentum, Tamenglong is poised to become a model for community-led conservation and green development in Manipur.
