Nina
Source: Kuknalim.com
Tourism is a major contributor to the financial and commercial success of any economy. Dimapur is the most important place in Nagaland and the nerve centre for all the business and trading activities also most of the tourism related activities in the State happens here, due to its locational advantage, rail, and air connectivity.
However there are many areas, which need to be developed and facilities upgraded or introduced. Though, of course, the work on it has begun, it seems it would take years before things fall in place.
Public transport system is a basic necessity of any growing city, but on the ‘transportation’ front, the only means for the public is the autorickshaw and some buses. About 50-100 of auto-wallahs zoom on the roads and (sometimes) are more a nuisance than convenience. Moreover, absence of metre facilities in the autorickshaws has put the travellers at the mercy of the auto-wallahs. It’s high time the planners took a leaf from the other cities where tourist does not have to depend on someone to travel to a new destination in the city. A chart and even numbering facilities easily helped him board the right bus and reach the destination, hassle-free. City bus system popularly known as town bus can be most economical and convenient, but it needs to be developed on the priority basis. This will facilitate tourism industry and also make the life of the residents of Nagaland more comfortable.
Recreational facilities are major lacunae in Nagaland. We do not have proper parks and playgrounds, clubs and pubs. As a result of which we are probably missing out on the business that could have been ours. Except for one or two parks, the city has little to offer. On the other hand, except for the existing small markets, the city does not boast of an all-in-all shopping complex either. At the time when the affluent youth are being attracted to multiplexes and 3D theatres, we are yet to have a proper cinema hall here. These too are dingy places with very little leg space. Ill maintained-these halls no more attract good crowd. It’s high time some well-equipped pubs, malls and cinema halls get constructed. Nagaland beyond 7 to 8 o’clock in the night does not have any facilities of food, drink and recreation. Tourists visiting any place expect food outlets to be open late in the night. At least few food and beverage outlets should be allowed to continue to serve people till late night. While talking of Nagaland’s nightlife one cannot overlook the pathetic conditions of the streetlights. Most of the areas have poor streetlights system. Many do not have them at all.
Health care and air connectivity are the other factors that need to be taken care of. Though we have some of the best doctors here, lack of good infrastructure compels these doctors to refer their patients to medical institutes in Mumbai, Delhi, and other metros. In air connectivity we need to attract more private players to lure both domestic and foreign tourists. The government should also develop a system to standardize the service for the incoming tourists. Such an effort would increase the level of confidence within the tourists.
Yet, Nagaland is a beautiful place. Its environment is still pollution free, roads still not over crowded like in the other cities and with its multi-customs, festivals, fairs, etc., connected with the local traditions in relation with tourism will increase the economy if it is well developed. Proper marketing with tourist friendly infrastructure can weave many success stories here.
