PROJECT ON DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM, RURAL AND ECO-

TOURISM IN MIZORAM FOR THE YEARS, 2012-2013 TO 2016-2017.

Introduction:

Mizoram has a great potential for eco-tourism. It is a hilly state where more than two-
third of its area is covered with forest. Mizoram is situated in the extreme northeast of India
lying between 21056’N to 24031’N latitude and 92016’E to 93026’E longitude. It is
flanked on the north by the Cachar District of Assam and Manipur state on the east and south
by the Chin Hills of Burma and on the west by the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and
Tripura state. It occupies an area of great strategic importance in the north-eastern corner of
India as it has a total of 1,632 kilometres of international boundary.

Mizoram covers an area of 21,087 square kilometres. It is the most variegated and
unexplored hilly terrain amongst the northeast states of India consisting rugged ranges of
steep hills which run from north to south which are separated by deep gorges of rivers. It is a
densely forest covered mountainous region having only few small plains in the midst of hills
and narrow valleys. Mountain heights vary from 700 to 2000 metres and the average height
being 900 metres. The highest peak in the state called Phawngpui or Blue Mountain situated
in the southern part of Mizoram rises to a height of 2,065 metres above sea level. The hills of
Mizoram are usually steep on the western sides of the ranges which provide a beautiful
overview of the surrounding areas. The hills in the southern part of the state are generally
smaller and more fragmented by small brooks than those of the northern sides and the top soil
erosion is rapid resulting in less fertility than the northern hills.

The rivers of Mizoram are entirely rain-fed and they almost dry up in the winter
season. But in the rainy season the rivers swell up rapidly rendering thereby a formidable
problem to pass over from one range to another. Only few rivers are navigable throughout the
year such as, Tlawng, Tuirial and Khawthlangtuipui. The entire area is under the direct
influence of the monsoon season and the average rainfall is 250 centimetres per annum.
Except a few showers, heavy rain ceases from the month of September marking the
beginning of autumn. Winter season covers from November till the end of February. Winter
season in Mizoram is rain-free and is a very pleasant season. The season for tourism starts
with the coming of autumn up to the end of winter that is from September to February. The
season is very pleasant with clear blue sky in the absence of cloud covering. Morning mists
are common upon the valleys during the season; which gives an enchanting view resembling
to a wide stretches of ice-sheets. Mizoram enjoys a pleasant climate and the average
temperature is 110 degree centimetres to 210degree centimetres in winter and 200degree
centimetres to 300degree centimetres in summer. From the Bay of Bengal, the south-west
monsoon visits the State around May lingering up to September. Winter brings frost in some
places but no snowfall thus the blue skies and the morning mists forming between the hills
make a wonderful and romantic scene.

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 The mild and humid climate of Mizoram produces rich natural vegetation and dense
forests. Bamboo is predominantly abundant and different kinds of it grow everywhere. These
tropical forests are abound with a variety of flora and fauna. Thick bamboo groves strewn
with wild plantains dominate the lower altitude slowly giving way to dense woods festooned
with creepers and canes as the hills rise higher. Orchids of various hues, pinkish-white
bauhinia, sparkling rhododendrons, yellow sunflowers and many other colourful wild
flowers, add a touch of delightful tonal contrasts to the greeneries. The jungles are alive with
a rich population of birds which include a rare species like the hornbills, pea-pheasants,
tragopans, flowerpeckers, sunbirds and the thrush family. Those virgin forests are home to
many animals including tigers, leopards, bears, wild-boars, deers, monkeys etc. The
dwindling forests and wildlife in recent years, owing mainly to the devastating jhum
cultivation and excessive hunting, has prompted extensive reforestation efforts and setting up
of wildlife sanctuaries in different places like Dampa (681 sq.kms), Ngengpui (110sq.kms),
Phawngpui (60sq.kms) and Tawi (60sq.kms). The bird sanctuary also has been established at
Rengdil which attracts many tourists in the past few years. Similar sanctuaries are being
developed at Murlen and Palak.

Prospects of Tourism including Rural and Eco-tourism:

Mizoram has an abundant growth of vegetation. Out of the total geographical area ie,
21,087 sq.kms, as much as 15,935 sq.kms is covered by vegetation which accounts for about
75 per cent of the area of the state. According to Department of Environment and Forests,
Govt. Of Mizoram statistics 2012, the recorded forest area is 16,717 sq.kms, in which
Reserve Forest covers 47.31 percent of the total forest area and the Protected Forest covers
21.34 percent and Unclassed Forest covers 31.35 percent and Protected Area covers 1,241
sq.kms. Its tropical location, which furnishes conducive climatic condition such as adequate
rainfall, moderate temperature etc. favours the luxuriant growth of vegetation. The type of
vegetation which thrives in Mizoram ranges from Tropical trees to Sub-Tropical trees. They
comprise valuable species of timber, lumber, medicinal herbs and domestic resources. These
medicinal herbs that are growing in the forests of Mizoram will attract tourists from inside
and outside for further studies if facilities for such tourists be developed and furnished so as
to accommodate modern tourists or foreign tourists.

Mizoram provides a great scope for researchers for studying different species of
insects and plants. Even in recent years, researchers from Mizoram University have
discovered a new species of fish which are not found in the other places of the globe.
Likewise, a new species of reptile has also been discovered by researchers from Mizoram
University in collaboration with foreign scholars. This clearly indicates the fact that there are
a lot more yet to be discovered in the forests of Mizoram. Moreover, there are plenty of
tourists who are looking for hills sceneries and solitudes from the plain areas. The evergreen
forests and valleys are always great sights for those people who are living in plain areas.
Mizoram provides highly recommendable resorts for people residing in the plain areas for
refreshing themselves with nature.

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 Besides, with the rapid increase of populations even in the developed countries, the
value of green forests and vegetations climbed up to a great height for these cannot be
achieved within a short span of time even for the most advanced countries. Many people in
developed countries are not only interested in seeing great monuments and historical
importance but also really keen to explore and discover what they have not experienced in
their lands like good natural vegetation and virgin forest. For such tourists, Mizoram would
be an ideal place for there are plenty of vegetations besides natural insects. Tourists interested
to discover medicinal plants would also search over vast area covered by forests.

Moreover, great and attractive scenery of the mountains and valleys attract many
tourists especially people living in the plains who do not have such experience of the hill’s
hypnotism. Foreign tourists would also have better chance to be more acquainted with rural
people by interacting with them.

What is needed is to make a plan to attract tourists in the area and to make
infrastructures for their accommodations. Prior to moving into building infrastructures, we
have to look into the scopes for such tourists who are looking for such places where they
would do their researches or studies for further discoveries. The following are recommended
for establishments of tourist infrastructures in Mizoram.

We have mentioned in the preceding pages, the exact locations of sanctuaries and
zoos which may play important role in building state’s tourism. So here are proposals to
develop infrastructural developments in Mizoram.

The main problem being faced by the state of Mizoram in matters relating to tourism
is inadequate facilities for tourists inside and outside the state. Although the state government
has constructed tourist lodges in a few selected places, it is far from enough. The present
infrastructures cannot accommodate even 30 percent of tourists. Moreover, no infrastructures
have yet been developed in most of the tourist destinations; especially for eco-tourists the
facilities given are minimal whereas Mizoram possesses great potential for eco-tourism. So in
order to develop rural and eco-tourism in Mizoram the followings need to be undertaken:

DEVELOPMENT OF INFRUSTRUCTURES:

In a thinly populated area like Mizoram, construction of buildings for hotels or lodging
are not profitable for private entrepreneurs and that may be the reason why Mizoram indeed
lacks tourist facilities. In rural areas, the absence of tourist facilities is conspicuous. The state
government has of course, constructed lodges and rest houses in some selected villages but
those are benefited normally by officials on tour. For rural and eco-tourists and researchers
scanty facilities are being offered up till now. Many people who are keen to take a tour on
such prospective places are reluctant and hesitated to carry on ventures owing to lack of
tourist facilities. As a matter of fact the poor tourism facilities in Mizoram dishearten quite a

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number of tourists especially outside the state to visit many interesting places. If proper and
adequate facilities are given more tourists would surely be attracted in the state.

Therefore, the following places are proposed for development of tourist infrastructures in
Mizoram so as to attract more tourists in the state:

(1). Tourist Lodge at Sangau village near Phawngpui sanctuary.

Sangau is the nearest village for Phawngpui sanctuary. It is about five kilometres
away from Phawngpui sanctuary and about 290 kilometres from the state capital.
Phawngpui is not only the highest peak in Mizoram but also a national sanctuary where
different variety of birds and animals are living under thick forest. Different types of
plants including medicinal plants are also growing wild under the forest. Those tourists
who are interested in eco-tourism as well as rural tourism would find their dreams come
true. Besides, the beautiful scenery of the hills under the setting sun would surely be a joy
for the people who are living in the plain areas. So it is highly believed that many people
who are in the plain areas would love to enjoy the nature’s beauty along with natural
vegetations as well as animals in the Phawngpui sanctuary if modern facilities are so
provided.
It may not be proper to develop the tourist infrastructures in an isolated place like
Phawngpui sanctuary; it may rather be wise to develop tourist facilities at the nearest
village Sangau which is about only five kilometres away from the sanctuary so that such
tourists may have good access to that sanctuary. Moreover, Sangau is the second biggest
village in the Lai Autonomous District Council having about 4000 people according to
the last Census (i.e., 2011). It is the seat of the Block Development Officer of the state
Government and Revenue Officer of the District Council having the Schools up to Higher
Secondary level. The majority of the people are Lais who still maintain their own dialect,
however, they can be communicated in English and local vernacular. Sangau village is
connected by road through Aizawl and Saiha the District Capital of Saiha District. It is
about 300 kilometres from Aizawl and About 50 kilometres from Saiha. Every year,
College students as well as tourists in and outside the state visited the sanctuary for its
natural products notwithstanding the fact that there are low/poor tourist facilities out
there.
It is therefore of primary importance to improve infrastructures for development of
eco-tourism as well as rural tourism in Mizoram. It is therefore suggested that a reliable
as well as dependable tourist lodge be constructed according to plan and estimate
submitted herewith.

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 (2). Rest House at Palak Lake.

Tamdil lake is one of the most important lakes in Mizoram which is situated in the
extreme south of Mizoram. This lake is in the midst of densely forest that produces
variety of medicinal plants as well as animals. Tourists would surely find bliss and
solitude in spending the night in Palak Lake. Different variety of birds and animals are
there to welcome tourists coming from different places. Palak Lake is situated in the
extreme south of Mizoram under densely forest. It is about 70 kilometres from the nearest
town and district headquarters of Saiha district.
It is therefore suggested to construct a Rest House which could accommodate about
fifty tourists at a time. So that tourists especially student tourists as well as group tourists
may have accommodation to study or enjoy the beauty of nature and its products. Today
especially Scholars and photographers are keen to take venture in the area where many
amphibians as well as animals including Bengal Tigers are found in the Sanctuary.
Accommodation is the biggest problem in this regard.

(3). Tourist Lodge at W.Phaileng village near Dampa Sanctuary.

Dampa Sanctuary is situated in the North-western side of the state bordering Tripura
state. It is a vast sanctuary of the state where different kinds of animals and birds are
residing; the visitors who are keen to have new inventions would find their delights. So it
is of great importance to build infrastructures for accommodation of tourists as the poor
facilities of accommodation in the state hindered many tourists from taking ventures
although a vast scope for ecotourism is being offered. Since Dampa sanctuary is located
in the north western side of the state the nearest village for building such infrastructures
may be at W.Phaileng village which is about 150kms from the state capital. W.Phaileng
is the seat of Block Development Officer for civil administration under Mamit District.
So, if a Tourist lodge is constructed in the nearest village of the sanctuary as proposed, it
would be quite beneficial for tourists especially from abroad.
(4) Tourist Lodge at Cherhlun near Lungreng and Zo virgin Forest.
It is one of the most important virgin forests in Mizoram situated in the mid-eastern
part of Mizoram. It is about 170 kms from Aizawl. This virgin forest as well as beautiful
landscape provides a wonderful sight for eco-tourists. There are large areas covered by
thick forest and one may not see the sun even in daylight. Tourists who are interested in
finding forest products would never ignore the chance to experience being under the
thick forest of Zo and Lungrang. Besides, any tourist would agree with the fact that had
there been mountaineering course or rock climbing or whatever is called, this indeed is
the best place! Different varieties of forest dwellers could be found under the thick forest.
It may not be wise at present to construct a Lodge or Rest House in the area because, it
may be difficult to maintain effectively as it will be in the midst of forest. So it is quite
appropriate if a tourist Lodge of Rest House is constructed in the nearestby village
Cherhlun which is about four kms away from the forest. Thus constructing a Tourist
Lodge or Rest House in the nearest village, under whose jurisdiction the forest fell. But

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to construct such Lodges or Rest Houses, one has to look into the sentiment of the people
of the area.