Nestled amidst lush landscapes and teeming with biodiversity, Samrang is poised to transform into a premier eco-tourism destination. However, the success of this ambitious venture hinges on substantial support from governmental bodies.
The gewog, renowned for its serene beauty and rich natural heritage, is launching a range of eco-friendly tourism activities aimed at both preserving the environment and boosting the local economy. Planned attractions include bird watching excursions, serene lake tours, and immersive night camping experiences. Central to these initiatives is a commitment to sustainability and active involvement of the community.
“Our goal is to craft unique experiences that draw visitors while empowering our residents, particularly the youth, through sustainable job opportunities,” explained Jigme Singye Drukpa, the gup of Samrang. “By providing essential skills, we aim to foster education, safeguard our cultural legacy, and ensure environmental protection for generations to come.”
The proposed eco-tourism projects are designed to create numerous employment opportunities for young locals in areas such as guiding, hospitality, and facility maintenance. Additionally, the initiative is expected to stimulate the local economy by supporting ancillary businesses, including food suppliers and transportation services.
“We have presented our plans to the Department of Tourism as a vital lifeline for our unemployed youth,” Drukpa added. “This project offers them a chance to acquire new skills and play a pivotal role in our community’s development.”
Unemployment remains a significant challenge in Samrang, with many young individuals who have completed secondary education finding limited opportunities within the gewog. The eco-tourism strategy prioritizes environmental stewardship by incorporating eco-friendly infrastructure and ensuring that all guided activities respect local wildlife and habitats.
Pithy Man Rai highlighted the strategic advantage of Samrang’s location near the Indo-Bhutan border. “Opening the border gate for tourism could greatly benefit our gewog. Proximity to Guwahati also means that increased trade and tourist influx would support both our community and the neighboring dungkhag.”
Residents have observed a notable transformation in Samrang, evolving from dense forests to a burgeoning settlement as people from other dzongkhags relocate to the area. Ganga Singh Chettri, a local resident, emphasized the potential benefits of improved infrastructure. “Constructing an airport here would not only serve Samrang but also the eastern dzongkhags, making it easier for tourists to visit by air.”
The initiative is backed by a proposed budget of Nu 17.4 million, allocated for environmental assessments, infrastructure development, community engagement, and marketing efforts. “Every aspect of this project has been meticulously planned to ensure its sustainability and success,” Drukpa stated. “From thorough environmental evaluations to comprehensive community training, our approach is designed to benefit both nature and the people of Samrang.”
Committed to balancing ecological conservation with economic advancement, the gewog plans to reinvest the revenue generated from tourism back into conservation projects and community development programs. “This sustainable model will help preserve our environment while fostering economic growth,” Drukpa affirmed.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of retaining the youth within Samrang. “This marks a new beginning for our community. By providing meaningful opportunities, we can encourage our young people to stay and contribute to a brighter, sustainable future.”
Samrang shares its name and proximity with a neighboring Indian town, also called Samrang, highlighting its potential as a cross-border eco-tourism hub.
As Samrang embarks on this promising journey, the support of the government will be crucial in realizing its vision of becoming an eco-tourism hotspot that harmoniously blends environmental preservation with economic prosperity.