Zeinguang Beach gains popularity in Manipur's Tamenglong, struggles with lack of basic facilities

Zeinguang Beach, a newly developed tourist spot at the Barak Basin in Bamgaijang village of Manipur, has quickly emerged as a popular destination, even as it faces a severe lack of basic infrastructure and facilities.

 

Developed by local volunteers in just a few months, the site was inaugurated on December 1 last year and has since attracted over 10,000 visitors, including tourists from Nagaland, Bihar, and even a few foreign nationals from Japan.

 

Located about 30 km from Tamenglong district headquarters, Bamgaijang village, home to around 700 residents, is known for its scenic beauty but remains deprived of essential amenities. Despite these challenges, the natural charm of the Barak riverbank and serene surroundings have made Zeinguang Beach a sought-after destination.

 

Speaking to India Today NE, Chingkhiuhiamang Phaomei, director of Zeinguang Beach, said the initiative was entirely community-driven. “Local residents came together to develop the site using locally available materials like bamboo. While tourist footfall has been encouraging, facilities remain limited,” he said.

 

Currently, basic services such as tent accommodation, homestays, and motorboat rides are available, but they fall short of standard quality due to financial constraints. Visitors, however, continue to be drawn by the calm, nature-rich environment.

 

The local community has urged the government to recognise Zeinguang Beach as an eco-tourism site and step in with support. Key demands include better road connectivity, development of tourist infrastructure, improved sanitation, electricity supply, and the establishment of a Primary Health Centre.

 

Phaomei also proposed the construction of a suspension bridge over the Barak River to connect Bamgaijang with nearby villages, which could further boost accessibility and tourism.

 

Residents, who primarily depend on seasonal farming, say the tourist spot has already begun contributing to the local economy by creating small job opportunities and increasing income from produce sales.

 

While India continues to promote tourism through initiatives like Swadesh Darshan and Vibrant Village Programme, locals believe that timely government intervention could transform Zeinguang Beach into a major eco-tourism destination in the region.

 

The story has been produced under the Award in Scientific Journalism Programme of CAU, Imphal. For further details, please contact Dr Indira Thounaojam, Information & Publicity Officer, CAU Imphal, at prmmcell@gmail.com