Namchi, March 31 (IPR)- Kitam Ecotourism Festival 2023, organised by Namchi Wildlife Division, Forest and Environment Department in collaboration with Kitam Tourism Development Cooperative Society Ltd. and Kitam- Manpur GPU concluded today.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Minister Forest and Environment Department Mr. Karma Loday Bhutia. He was accompanied by Area MLA Ms. Farwanti Tamang, Chairman Roads and Bridges Mr. Simon Rai, DFO Wildlife(Namchi) Mr. T.B Subba, CF(T) Mr. Karma Legsey Bhutia, CF Wildlife Mr. Uday Gurung, Police Personnel’s, Zilla Panchayat, Panchayat President, and other dignitaries.
The chief guest Mr.Karma Loday Bhutia, in his speech, emphasized the need to promote ecotourism, adventure, and sports tourism. He also mentioned that the Kitam ground has been procured by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) for the construction of cricket stadium. He said that this acquisition is expected to benefit the local community as the BCCI is financially sound organisation and the development of a stadium could potentially boost the tourism industry in the area. Additionally, he also assured that the Forest Department would help in every possible aspect to develop ecotourism in Kitam.
Furthermore, Area MLA Ms. Farwanti Tamang expressed her gratitude towards the organizers for taking the initiative to promote ecotourism in the region and for creating an opportunity for the locals to showcase their culture and traditions. She also highlighted the positive impact of such programs on the local economy and emphasized the need for sustainable and responsible tourism practices to preserve the natural beauty of the area for future generations.
One of the significance of the festival was the introduction of “Mero Rukh Mero Sampati” scheme, wherein parents of a newborn baby must register and plant 100 trees. The registration certificate for planting trees shall be mandatory for obtaining a new birth certificate. The Forest Department will provide trees and land if needed, which will encourage more people to participate in this initiative. And to make the announcement more prominent a skit on the topic ‘Mero Rukh Mero Sampati’ was showcased conveying an important message about the value of trees in our lives.
The final day of the program saw various cultural shows, rural sports like pillow fight and tug of war. The program witnessed a massive turnout of students, teachers, and
public at large.
The Kitam Ecotourism Festival 2023 was a huge success, and has taken a step towards promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation in the region. The introduction of the scheme ” Mero Rukh Mero Sampati” was the prominence of the program which will undoubtedly contribute in increasing the green cover of the State
