Kohima’s urban sprawl could destroy its natural landscape

July 12, 2024 6 Views No Comment

Nobel Laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo on their visit to Kohima

N Arhe
Kohima | July 11

Nagaland is capturing the world’s attention as a unique travel destination, celebrated for its enthralling past, unique culture, breathtaking hiking trails, and delectable cuisine. Travelers are expanding their horizons beyond the Hornbill festival, exploring the region all year long. In their maiden visit to Nagaland, Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo recently embarked on a three-day adventure to Kohima with their loved ones.

Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo are renowned economists and Nobel laureates known for their groundbreaking work in development economics. Their research addresses global poverty and inequality through innovative and evidence-based approaches. Together, they have made significant contributions to the understanding of social issues and have revolutionised the way policymakers approach economic development. Their work has had a profound impact in shaping policies aimed at improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, both professors at MIT, received the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics.

The following is a short interview where they shared their travel experiences in and around Kohima.

Q: What made you choose Kohima as your travel destination?
A & E: Nagaland was highly recommended to us by some friends, and we have been eager to explore the region for some time now. During our vacation to India this time, we decided to take a short trip and Kohima stood out to us right away for a few reasons. My wife, Easter, is a hiking enthusiast, so the Dzukou Valley seemed like the ideal destination for her. As a food enthusiast who enjoys trying new dishes, I have had the pleasure of sampling Naga cuisine before and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was looking forward to trying more Naga dishes during our visit.

Q: Which Naga cuisines have you tasted, any standout favourites?
A & E: Our dining experience at Morung Kitchen was delightful, particularly with the delicious Naga Thali. The discovery of the local vegetable ‘Tita Guti’ was a pleasant surprise for us, and we quickly developed a liking for it. While I have sampled Akhuni before, my wife Easter had her first taste and relished it. The standout items on the menu were the distinctive Naga Akhuni and bamboo shoot dishes.

Q: Was there a prominent feature of the city that left a lasting impression on you as a first-time visitor?
A & E: Oh, the locals! It is quite clear that Kohima is bustling with a youthful population. From the markets to the restaurants, and even the trekking trails, young people seem to dominate the scene. The absence of older individuals in these areas was immediately noticeable to us.

Q What improvements do you suggest in maintaining the distinctive charm of Kohima?
A & E: The picturesque landscape of Kohima is at risk because of unplanned constructions, a prevalent problem in many hill stations across India. Without swift intervention, the city risks losing its unique charm and transforming into a collection of houses. Enhancing the upkeep of footpaths is crucial to guaranteeing secure and enjoyable strolls for pedestrians. With strong political will, these goals can be effectively realized.

Q: Can you share some details about the hiking trips you have taken?
A & E: Visiting the potato farm in Kigwema and trekking to Dzukou Valley was quite an adventure. As foreigners, we could not take the shortcut through the Army cantonment area, so we had to take a longer route, which was filled with leeches. However, the beautiful blooming hydrangeas at the farm made the journey worth it despite the obstacles.
Dzukou Valley provides an enchanting trekking adventure. Despite the littered and neglected path to the summit, the valley was pristine, well preserved, and clean. We were surprised by the limited number of tourists but fascinated by the sight of many young locals, often in groups, enjoying camping and exploring the valley.

Q: How would you recommend others to experience Nagaland?
A & E: For anyone planning a trip to the Northeast of India, consider Kohima for a memorable trip. It is a beautiful destination with a unique cultural experience, delectable cuisine, and great value for your money. It’s worth a visit!

Q: Can we expect to see you again in Nagaland?
A & E: We cannot say we will, but we hope to visit again.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/kohimas-urban-sprawl-could-destroy-its-natural-landscape