How is the Indian Army Promoting Eco-Tourism for College Students?
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Itanagar, Jan 4 (NationPress) In a bid to foster youth empowerment and endorse sustainable development, the Indian Army has organized an eco-tourism exposure tour for college students hailing from the border regions of Arunachal Pradesh's West Siang district, as reported by an official on Sunday.
Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat mentioned that on Sunday, the Indian Army, operating under the banner of Spear Corps, initiated an 11-day eco-tourism exposure tour from the Along Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh, signifying a crucial advancement toward youth empowerment and sustainable development in the border areas of the state.
This endeavor was aimed at students from NEFTU College located in Aalo in West Siang district, with the goal of enhancing practical skills and generating livelihood opportunities associated with eco-tourism.
Lt Col Rawat further elaborated that before embarking on the exposure tour, a detailed three-day homestay and eco-tourism training module was conducted in Aalo, where 30 students and two instructors were introduced to the basics of community-based tourism, responsible travel methods, and the economic prospects of eco-tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.
The focus of the training program was to equip the students to become future contributors to the promotion of sustainable tourism models within their home districts, as he stated.
Following the training, the students commenced their exposure visit to the renowned eco-tourism and homestay regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal.
During this 11-day adventure, scheduled from January 4 to 14, participants will receive hands-on experience in homestay management, tour guiding, trek leading, visitor engagement, and eco-tourism operations, which will help them glean best practices adaptable to local conditions in West Siang district.
According to the defence spokesperson, this initiative underscores the Indian Army's ongoing dedication to nation-building beyond its primary security functions by empowering local youth, fostering self-reliance, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in remote border areas.
Through investment in education, skill enhancement, and exposure, the Indian Army continues to fortify civil-military relations and facilitate the socio-economic advancement of Arunachal Pradesh, ensuring that development and opportunities extend to even the most isolated regions of the state.