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Army's Eco-Tourism Tour Empowers Arunachal Youth from Border Areas

The Indian Army has flagged off an 11-day eco-tourism exposure tour for college students from the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh's West Siang district. This initiative, following a three-day training capsule, aims to equip youth with practical skills in homestay management and sustainable tourism. The students will visit Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal to observe successful eco-tourism models firsthand. The program reflects the Army's commitment to fostering self-reliance and socio-economic progress in remote border regions.

Key Points: Indian Army Eco-Tourism Tour for Arunachal Students

  • Youth empowerment in border areas
  • Sustainable tourism skill development
  • 11-day exposure tour to Darjeeling & Kalimpong
  • Army's nation-building initiative
2 min read

Indian Army organises eco-tourism exposure tour for college students from Arunachal's border areas

Indian Army organizes 11-day eco-tourism exposure tour for college students from Arunachal Pradesh border areas to promote sustainable livelihoods.

"enhancing practical skills and creating livelihood opportunities linked to eco-tourism - Defence Spokesman"

Itanagar, Jan 4

To promote youth empowerment and sustainable development, the Indian Army has facilitated an eco-tourism exposure tour for college students from border areas of Arunachal Pradesh's West Siang district, an official said on Sunday.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the Indian Army, under the aegis of Spear Corps, on Sunday flagged off an 11-day eco-tourism exposure tour from Along Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant step towards youth empowerment and sustainable development in the state's border regions.

He said the initiative was undertaken for students of NEFTU College at Aalo in West Siang district, with the objective of enhancing practical skills and creating livelihood opportunities linked to eco-tourism.

Lt Col Rawat said that prior to the exposure tour, a comprehensive three-day homestay and eco-tourism training capsule was conducted at Aalo, during which 30 students and two instructors were familiarised with the fundamentals of community-based tourism, responsible travel practices, and the economic potential of eco-tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.

The training programme focused on preparing the students to act as future stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism models in their home districts, he stated.

Following the training, the students were flagged off for an exposure visit to West Bengal's Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions, which are well known for successful eco-tourism and homestay initiatives.

During the 11-day tour, scheduled from January 4 to 14, participants will gain first-hand exposure to homestay management, tour guiding, trek leading, visitor interaction, and eco-tourism operations, enabling them to understand best practices that can be adapted to local conditions in West Siang district.

According to the defence spokesman, the initiative reflects the Indian Army's continued commitment to nation building beyond its core security role by empowering local youth, encouraging self-reliance, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in remote and border areas.

By investing in education, skill development and exposure, the Indian Army continues to strengthen civil-military bonds and support the socio-economic progress of Arunachal Pradesh, ensuring that development and opportunity reach even the most remote corners of the region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, some positive news! Skill development for youth in remote areas is the need of the hour. Eco-tourism can be a game-changer for the economy of the North-East. Kudos to the Indian Army for this forward-thinking project.
A
Arun Y
As someone from the region, I appreciate the effort. But I hope this is not just a one-off tour. There needs to be continuous support and funding to help these students actually start ventures when they return. The follow-up is crucial.
S
Sarah B
This is brilliant. Strengthening the civil-military bond through education and development is so important. Arunachal has incredible natural beauty, and training locals to manage tourism responsibly will protect the environment while creating jobs.
K
Karthik V
Heartwarming to see our soldiers involved in nation-building like this. When youth in border areas see opportunity and connect with the rest of India, it strengthens our national fabric. More such programs please!
M
Meera T
A very practical and useful initiative. Learning from Darjeeling's homestay model is a smart move. Hope the students come back and become entrepreneurs, showing the way for others in Arunachal. Best of luck to them!

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