Soaring Wings

By Staff Writer

Booster: Dacing all the way.

Aizawl, March 10, 2010: Mizoram, the most peaceful state in India, is all set to woo thousands of visitors this year, according to state Tourism ministry officials.

“We expect thousands of foreign tourists to visit Mizoram this year. The government is making sure that the facilities for tourists are world-class. We are also promoting tourist destinations across the state in numerous ways,” said an official on condition of anonymity. One such step taken by the Congress government is to organize the largest ‘Cheraw’ (Bamboo Dance) on March 12, he added.

According to sources in the organizing team, the bamboo dance event will be attended by a representatives of the Guinness Book of Records besides other tourists-both foreign and domestic. Hundreds of youths from all over the state have been training for the big day since last year.

Meanwhile, the security forces and police have been told to keep a close watch on the any “anti-social” elements so that the event passes without any untoward incident.

The hilly state of Mizoram is known for its vast natural resources and bamboo is found in plenty. However, the 2008-09 bamboo flowering in the state has completely destroyed the thick bamboo forests. However, bamboo shoots have come up again in some areas. Experts in the state’s Bamboo Development Agency say it will take at least 5 years for the bamboo forests to grow back to its former state.