We still fail to see how the site of a historic battle or a place of pilgrimage for the Manipuris could be converted into an eco-tourism site. It is different from what we have educated with regard to eco-tourism. Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (mass) tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Generally, ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats. Experts say, responsible ecotourism should include programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. By saying this, we are not trying to either negate the tourism potential of the Khongjom memorial or undervaluing the importance of the site. It is indeed one of the most sacred sites of Manipur. Brave Manipuri soldiers led by Paona Brajabasi, Yaiskul Lakpa, Chinglensana and Wangkhei Meiraba laid down their lives at the battle-field of Khongjom in 1891, in defence of the independence of Manipur from the British imperialists. So, we must encourage the development of the said war memorial in every way we can. Yet, a conceptual clarity is required when one talks about its development. Can it be called an eco-tourism spot? Certainly not, if one cross-ckecks with the definition given by experts. A pilgrimage site would be more appropriate. Yet, we will always remain wonderstruck at the ingenuity of the present government in dreaming transformation of the pilgrimage site into project mode. We do have potential for development of eco-tourism spots in Manipur. Mention may be made of Dzuko valley, Siroi Hills, Lokchao Forest Reserve, Zeilad Lake in Tamenglong, Khengjoy Range in Chandel, Vangai Range in Churachandpur and Manipur River etc. We may indeed lost count of the pristine and beautiful forest, rivers and valleys. In short, we have plenty of sites which has potential for development of eco-tourism.
In the present circumstances, it will not be easy with the new stringent draft guidelines issued by the Centre for development of eco-tourism in the states. The Union government withdrew permission for development of eco-tourism at Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy botanical garden at Kothaguda near Hi-Tec City, Madhapur. It was an ambitious project where a hotel, a multiplex and a convention centre were to come up in a reserve forest area of Hyderabad under the garb of promoting eco-tourism. On the other hand, an inquiry was ordered by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal into eco-tourism projects, which were facing charges relating to violations of the Forest Conservation Act. The inquiry confirmed glaring lapses in privatisation of the prime forest properties and sites. The Hindustan Times had reported that recent assessments of the state of the environment in 32 states across India indicate that the country’s rising economic prosperity is putting the environment under stress. Experts cite tourism as a leading cause of the environmental degradation in some areas. But according to experts ecotourism, if properly implemented, has the potential to benefit both the economy and the environment.