Anini, Jan 24: The Department of Tourism, Anini, along with District Administration and Biodiversity & Tourism Management Society celebrated National Tourism Day 2026 certifying  79 Nature Guides on National Tourism Day, setting a new standard for responsible tourism. 
Addressing the gathering, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Tourism Minister, Mopi Mihu, noted the exponential growth of tourism in Dibang Valley over the past six years and emphasized that this progress marks only the beginning. He highlighted that tourist guides are key assets and stressed the importance of professionalism, behavioural excellence, proper waste management through mandatory garbage bag usage, benchmarking of taxi fares, and continuous training programmes. He also underscored the need for nature conservation, hospitality infrastructure development, horticulture integration, and self-reliance among local communities.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by the District Tourism Officer, Lamwang Aran, followed by the felicitation of guests and dignitaries. Theko Tayu, Chairman of the Biodiversity & Tourism Management Society (BTMS), highlighted the importance of balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation and community participation.
An interactive session with tourism stakeholders brought forward key concerns and suggestions, including guide fee rationalisation, delays in DDUSY loan processing, traffic congestion within Anini township, beautification initiatives, plastic-free tourism practices, waste management measures, drainage maintenance, and improved coordination with law enforcement agencies for tourist facilitation. Stakeholders also proposed mandatory distribution of garbage bags by homestays and hotels and strengthening permissions for guides through ITBP coordination.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Bekir Nyorak remarked on Dibang Valley’s transformation from a remote destination to an emerging tourism hub and stressed the need for collective efforts, hospitality, patience, and professionalism. He underlined the importance of training programmes, standardised eligibility criteria for tourist guides, plastic-free district initiatives, effective waste management systems including Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), and enhanced tourist-police coordination, including PAP-related facilitation.
The Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Sadhu Mihu, appreciated the tireless efforts of tourism stakeholders in shaping Dibang Valley as a responsible tourism destination and encouraged continued cooperation among all stakeholders.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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