DARAK, 1 Jun: A consultative meeting between the public and stakeholders was organised by NGO Darak Tourism and Social Welfare Foundation (DTSWF) at the community hall here in West Siang district on Sunday on the theme ‘Tourism in Darak: Prospects, Challenges, Initiatives So Far and Way Forward’.
The meeting aimed to obtain public feedback, facilitate policy development, and highlight the objectives and initiatives of the NGO for creating positive societal, environmental, economic and tourism impact in Darak.
Outlining the NGO’s initiatives, DTSWF managing director Jummo Potom emphasised the long-term importance of tourism, nature conservation, wildlife protection, and social development for Darak.
The participants deliberated extensively on topics like nature conservation, wildlife and environmental protection, responsible tourism and hospitality practices,research and documentation of flora and fauna of Darak, promotion of homestay and farmhouse stay operators, Google mapping and GPS setup of tourism sites and public places for the convenience and safe arrival of visitors to Darak, besides establishment of an orchid sanctuary-cum-botanical garden in Darak, among other things.
The meeting witnessed active participation of homestay operators, members of the Darak Mahila Samiti, farmers’ club, SHGs, youths and students, panchayat leaders, GBs, government officials, CBO members, the market committee, retired government employees, and other stakeholders.
Later in the day, the DTSWF conducted a cleanliness drive, and distributed flower seeds to every colony of the township and nearby villages as part of the initial beautification drive.
