AGUI KAMEI

NONEY: Nestled along the serene banks of the Barak River in Bamgaijang village, the little-known Zei-Nguang sandy spot in Tamenglong is fast emerging as a promising eco-tourism destination, drawing thousands of visitors within just a few months of its opening.

The scenic riverbank site, developed and maintained by Bamgaijang villagers, began welcoming visitors in the first week of December 2025. Though barely three months old, the community-driven initiative has already attracted more than 10,000 visitors and generated over Rs 10 lakh in revenue, according to Zei-Nguang Beach Management Committee director Phaomei.

The tourist spot is managed by a local committee formed under the aegis of a church development initiative. Volunteers oversee visitor movement, safety and facilities while also guiding tourists exploring the tranquil riverfront.

To enhance visitor experience, the committee has constructed a temporary floating thatch hut and several bambooand-thatch cottages illuminated with lights along the riverbank, creating a picturesque setting that has quickly become a major draw for tourists.

Basic recreational and safety facilities have also been put in place. The site is equipped with two motorboats fitted with life jackets, two traditional wooden boats, and designated swimming spots for both adults and children in a shallow area. Two volleyball courts further add to the attraction for visitors seeking leisure activities.

Adding a local flavour to the tourist experience, villagers have set up vegetable stalls selling organically grown produce such as sweet corn, cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower, beans, rhizomes, leafy greens and the locally cherished “monkey rice” (parkia). These products have become popular among visitors eager to sample fresh hill-grown produce.

The destination has already begun attracting travellers not only from across Manipur but also from other parts of India and even foreign visitors, making it one of the most unique beach-like attractions in the state.

Beach project director Akhiu Phaomei, has urged the state government and the district administration to recognise Zei-Nguang as an eco-tourism hotspot and include it in the state’s official tourism map.

He said proper development and promotion could transform the area into a vibrant hub supporting local livelihoods and regional economic growth. Bamgaijang village, located in the Barak basin in the western part of Tamenglong district, has about 110 households and a population of around 700.

The village lies about 29 kilometres from Tamenglong district headquarters and can be reached in roughly one-and-a-half hours by road via NH-137, the Tamenglong–Khongsang route.

The best time to visit Zei-Nguang is between December and March, when the river recedes to reveal the wide sandy banks that give the destination its distinctive charm.