Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced that the much-awaited Eco Park in Kohima is set to open before this year’s Hornbill Festival. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s tourism infrastructure and provide visitors with a new attraction alongside the traditional cultural celebrations. According to officials, the park will offer recreational facilities, green spaces, and scenic viewpoints to enhance the overall visitor experience during the festival season.
Speaking at a press conference in Kohima, CM Rio highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism. “The Eco Park in Kohima has been developed with environmental considerations in mind,” he said. “We aim to provide a space where visitors can enjoy nature while also experiencing Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage during the Hornbill Festival.”
The Hornbill Festival, held annually in December, attracts tourists from across India and abroad. With the Eco Park ready for inauguration, authorities hope to ease congestion at traditional venues and provide an alternative recreational option. The park’s design incorporates native flora, walking trails, and spaces for cultural performances, ensuring a blend of leisure and education.
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Features and attractions of the Eco Park
The Eco Park Kohima opening promises several facilities aimed at improving visitor engagement. Key features include eco-friendly pathways, scenic viewpoints overlooking the city, and dedicated spaces for children and families. The park also includes an amphitheater for cultural programs, art installations, and interactive exhibits highlighting Nagaland’s biodiversity and tribal heritage.
Officials said the park will be equipped with sustainable amenities, including solar lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and waste management measures. CM Rio emphasized that the government prioritized ecological balance while designing the park. “Our goal is to create a model space that respects nature and encourages responsible tourism,” he explained.
Local tourism officials believe the Eco Park will become a significant attraction, complementing the cultural events of the Hornbill Festival. “Visitors often look for spaces to relax after festival activities. The Eco Park will provide a serene environment while showcasing Nagaland’s natural beauty,” said a senior tourism officer.
Hornbill Festival preparations in full swing
With the Hornbill Festival approaching, the state government has intensified preparations to ensure smooth conduct. CM Rio confirmed that the Eco Park’s inauguration will coincide with final festival arrangements, including security deployment, traffic management, and hospitality services for tourists.
The Hornbill Festival Committee is coordinating with the Eco Park management to organize cultural exhibitions and outdoor events. This integration will allow visitors to explore both traditional performances and new recreational facilities in a single trip. Authorities expect a record number of attendees this year due to the combined attraction of the festival and the Eco Park.
Government emphasizes sustainable tourism
Neiphiu Rio reiterated the importance of sustainability in all tourism projects. “Nagaland’s natural and cultural assets are unique. We must protect them while promoting tourism,” he said. The Eco Park is part of a broader initiative to develop environmentally conscious tourist destinations across the state, including eco-cottages, trekking trails, and heritage sites.
The Chief Minister also highlighted plans to involve local communities in park management. Training programs for guides, cultural performers, and maintenance staff will provide employment opportunities and ensure that tourism benefits residents directly. Officials said that local artisans and craftsmen would also have kiosks to sell handicrafts and local produce inside the park.
Expected economic and social impact
The Eco Park Kohima opening is expected to boost the state’s economy by attracting more domestic and international tourists. Hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and travel operators, are likely to see increased demand during the festival period. Local vendors anticipate higher footfall and sales due to enhanced tourist interest in cultural and recreational attractions.
Socially, the park will offer residents a recreational space, contributing to community well-being and promoting outdoor activities. Schools and colleges in Kohima are expected to organize educational trips to the Eco Park, where students can learn about environmental conservation, native flora and fauna, and sustainable practices.
Safety and accessibility measures
Authorities have stressed that safety and accessibility have been key priorities in the park’s design. Multiple entry and exit points will help manage crowds during peak festival days, while pathways will be wheelchair-accessible. CCTV surveillance and on-site medical facilities will be available to ensure visitor safety.
CM Rio also encouraged tourists to follow eco-friendly practices while visiting the park. He requested visitors to avoid littering, respect local customs, and participate in conservation efforts. “Responsible tourism will ensure that the Eco Park remains a lasting attraction for generations to come,” he said.
Local reactions and expectations
The announcement of the Eco Park’s opening has generated excitement among residents and tourism stakeholders. Many local citizens expressed pride in the development, seeing it as an addition to Nagaland’s growing reputation as a tourist-friendly state. Hotel owners and tour operators expect the park to increase tourist stays and boost local businesses.
Travel bloggers and media outlets covering the Hornbill Festival have welcomed the new attraction, noting that it enhances Kohima’s appeal as a cultural and leisure destination. Some experts predict that the park could become a permanent fixture in tourism itineraries, attracting visitors even outside the festival period.
The Eco Park Kohima opening ahead of the Hornbill Festival marks a significant milestone in Nagaland’s tourism development. With its eco-friendly design, recreational facilities, and cultural integration, the park is poised to enhance the visitor experience and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
CM Neiphiu Rio’s emphasis on environmental responsibility, community involvement, and tourist safety reflects a broader vision for Nagaland as a model of eco-cultural tourism. As the Hornbill Festival approaches, residents and visitors alike are eagerly anticipating the inauguration, which promises to combine traditional celebration with modern recreational facilities.
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