Breaking Barriers: Nagaland’s Bold Move to Revoke Protected Area Permits and Transform Tourism

The Nagaland government has announced plans to request the Indian central government to exempt the state from the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements. This decision emerged from a state Cabinet meeting held at the chief minister’s residence on January 6, as revealed by Nagaland’s Environment Minister, C L John. The PAP, a regulation mandating foreigners to secure a permit to visit specific areas within India, has been applicable to regions in the Northeast.

During the Cabinet meeting, ministers reviewed Nagaland’s peaceful celebration of the Hornbill Festival from December 1 to 10 of the previous year, which drew over 2,000 foreign attendees. Encouraged by this success, the ministers concluded that the PAP should be revoked to foster ease of access for international visitors.

Previously, the PAP has been a longstanding requirement since the 1960s due to security and geopolitical sensitivities. However, it was lifted in December 2021, streamlining foreign access to Nagaland and neighboring northeastern states without the need for special permits. Despite this, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reinstated the PAP in December of the last year for Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, after nearly three years of freedom from the permit system.

The state government aims to overturn this reinstatement, arguing that freer access could bolster tourism and international engagement. Notably, the Hornbill Festival, held at the Naga heritage village Kisama, located 12 kilometers from the state capital, attracted 2,05,968 visitors, including 2,527 foreigners.

By lobbying for the removal of the PAP, Nagaland seeks to enhance its tourism sector and further capitalize on its cultural festivals, hoping for a repeat of the peaceful and successful foreign participation seen during the Hornbill Festival. The state’s appeal to the central government underscores its commitment to establishing Nagaland as a welcoming destination for international travelers.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/nagaland-mulls-to-revoke-protected-area-permit-regime-in-state-1150491-2025-01-07?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-01-07 10:14:00