Itanagar, Jan 11 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance practical education in the eco-tourism sector and foster livelihood-oriented skills among college students from the border regions of Arunachal Pradesh, the Army has initiated an exposure tour to West Bengal, which is currently in progress, officials reported on Sunday.

According to Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, this skill development eco-tourism exposure tour is organized under local military authorities as part of ‘Operation Sadbhavna’, aimed at improving practical learning and skill sets among the youth and students of Arunachal Pradesh.

A group of 30 students from NEFTU College in Aalo, West Siang district, along with two faculty members, embarked on this educational journey on January 5, traveling to the hill destinations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal.

During the Darjeeling segment, participants gained invaluable insights into the planning and implementation of sustainable eco-tourism practices within a delicate mountain ecosystem, as noted by Lt Col Rawat.

The 11-day itinerary featured visits to significant heritage and eco-tourism sites, including Batasia Loop War Memorial, Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill, and the Happy Valley Tea Estate, where they explored the concept of tea tourism.

The team engaged with district tourism officials, tea estate stakeholders, and local homestay proprietors, emphasizing community-led hospitality, environmental protection, responsible waste management, and cleanliness practices.

Having completed their time in Darjeeling, the team has now advanced to Kalimpong for the subsequent phase of their tour. This initiative is designed to empower participants to implement sustainable eco-tourism models in their home regions, thereby promoting both conservation and local livelihoods.

The defence spokesman indicated that participants will acquire practical skills in homestay management, tour guiding, trek leading, visitor interaction, and eco-tourism operations, equipping them to adapt best practices to their local conditions in West Siang district.

Officials affirmed that this initiative showcases the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to nation-building beyond its fundamental security responsibilities by empowering local youth, fostering self-reliance, and supporting sustainable livelihoods in remote and border regions.

By investing in education, skill development, and exposure, the Indian Army continues to fortify civil-military ties and contribute to the socio-economic advancement of Arunachal Pradesh, ensuring that growth and opportunities reach even the most secluded areas of the region.