Advisor of Tourism, Art and Culture, Khehovi H Yeputhomi, on Monday virtually inaugurated Suruhoto town urban station and laid the foundation stone for development of pilgrimage tourism infrastructure at SBAK Nito Mount Mission Centre in Zunheboto.
In his address, Yeputhomi acknowledged the Ministry of Tourism, government of India for introducing the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme in Nagaland with the objective to develop and identify pilgrimage sites for enriching the religious experience of tourists to Nagaland and from across the world.
He maintained that the site is managed by the Sumi Baptist Church and its missionaries as the centre is the headquarters for 148 churches across Sumi inhabited area in Nagaland, and also has Asia's largest church building with the sitting capacity of about 10000 members.
The advisor pointed out that the development of infrastructure under the PRASAD scheme includes the development of lighting and illumination with renewable energy sources, eco-friendly modes of transport, first aid centres, drinking water, waiting rooms, toilets, parking, craft bazaars, souvenir shops, cafeteria, rain shelters, telecom facilities, internet connectivity etc.
He stated that the newly launched pilgrimage destination will act as a catalyst for rejuvenation and spiritual enlightenment both for visitors and tourists alike and provide comprehensive tourism infrastructure that will offer tourists a convenient experience.
Meanwhile, Yeputhomi also acknowledged the government of Nagaland and the department of Municipal Affairs for selecting Suruhuto town as the urban station under Zunheboto district.
On being launched, he exuded hope that the initiative of the government will benefit the people of Suruhuto town by creating a positive impact on the youth and provide the young people with more job opportunities and better facilities be it in information technology, education, business and others.
The advisor expressed optimism that these newly launched projects will provide a holistic overall development and will bring forth more opportunities for entrepreneurs, adding that this improved management will open up new investment opportunities in the vast religious tourism space like investments in hospitality and transport infrastructure as well as technology employment, among other facets.
Further, he appreciated and congratulated the officials and staff of Tourism and Municipal Affairs department and government of Nagaland for the initiative.
Earlier, Wachusie Katiry, deputy director of Municipal Affairs, informed that there has been a major shift from rural to urban stations over the decades.
He informed that Suruhoto town was declared an urban station along with 13 other towns last year.
The programme was chaired by Toka E Tuccumi, Deputy Director of Tourism and vote of thanks was proposed by V Doulo, Additional director, tourism.