Imphal, March 21: Zeinguang Beach, a newly developed tourist destination along the Barak Basin in Manipur’s Bamgaijang village, has rapidly gained popularity despite facing significant infrastructure shortcomings.
Built through a community-driven effort by local volunteers within a few months, the site was inaugurated on December 1 last year and has since attracted more than 10,000 visitors. Tourists have arrived not only from neighbouring states such as Nagaland and Bihar but also from abroad, including Japan.
Situated about 30 km from the Tamenglong district headquarters, Bamgaijang village, which has a population of around 700, remains largely underserved in terms of basic amenities. Despite this, the natural beauty of the Barak riverbank and the surrounding landscape has turned the location into a preferred destination for visitors seeking a quiet, nature-focused experience.
According to Chingkhiuhiamang Phaomei, director of the site, the initiative was entirely led by the local community using materials such as bamboo. While the growing tourist footfall has been encouraging, he noted that facilities remain limited due to financial constraints.
At present, services such as tent accommodation, homestays, and motorboat rides are available, though they do not meet standard expectations. Nevertheless, visitors continue to be drawn by the area’s tranquil environment.
Local residents have urged the government to formally recognise the site as an eco-tourism destination and extend support for its development. Key demands include improved road connectivity, better sanitation, reliable electricity supply, enhanced tourist infrastructure, and the establishment of a primary health centre.
Phaomei also proposed the construction of a suspension bridge over the Barak River to improve connectivity between Bamgaijang and neighbouring villages, which could further boost tourism prospects.
For residents who largely depend on seasonal farming, the emergence of Zeinguang Beach has begun to generate economic benefits through small-scale employment and increased sales of local produce.
With national initiatives such as Swadesh Darshan and Vibrant Village Programme promoting tourism, locals believe timely government intervention could help transform the site into a major eco-tourism hub in the region.
