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Brahmaputra: Potential tourist destination
Guwahati, Aug 08: The mighty Brahmaputra, also known as the bright red river, may be a source of untold misery for lakhs of people in the North-East annually due to the floods it causes, but its exploitation as a major tourist destination could be economically beneficial for the region.
Guwahati, Aug 08: The mighty Brahmaputra, also known as the bright red river, may be a source of untold misery for lakhs of people in the North-East annually due to the floods it causes, but its exploitation as a major tourist destination could be economically beneficial for the region.
Tour operators feel that Brahmaputra river which flows through major cities of Assam in its 720 km course has not been exploited from the tourist point of view through ages and if proper attention was given it could be a major tourist destination.
However, state Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog says, "The government had recently sent a proposal to the Centre worth about Rs 6 crore to beautify the riverside of Brahmaputra which could attract tourists and make Guwahati city clean."
The proposal includes starting river jetties and a ropeway from Guwahati city side to Umananda, the Shiva temple, for the benefit of the visitors, Neog says.
Voicing hope that the proposal could be cleared, the minister says a proposal to beautify the river has also been cleared by the Union water resources ministry and the government hopes to work in tandem with the Union ministry. "Brahmaputra river in Guwahati has a very important and special role to play in inviting elite tourist including foreigners, which can substantially contribute to the earnings of the state," says Robin Dutta, a tour operator.
He, however, says that an exclusive area catering to tourists and devoid of all "unwarranted interference" is yet to be provided.
Dutta explains that the important factor was to keep the "exclusive factor" in mind and cater to the elite class of tourists who are prepared to spend money but in no way want to be in discomfort or in an unsafe area.
"Keeping this in view, the idea of exclusive tourist park with adequate facilities for leisure, viewing and enjoying the beauty of the mighty river has become very relevant," Dutta says.
Keeping the Umananda Hills, situated in the midst of the river which has a temple of Lord Shiva, in the background a project has been formalised for providing infrastructure in the exclusive areas along the river right from the Latasil Park area to the Bar Library, he says. Another important issue is hotel facilities: They need to be improved both in the city and along with the Brahmaputra front, for housing the tourists.
Dutta also elaborates on another plan of his to set up a unique cultural centre here which would showcase the dying art forms of the great Assamese sculptors and artists.
Lamenting that the arts and crafts of the area have been "dying", he stresses the need to revive them through this centre which would act as a gallery to display those products which could be a major sources of attraction both for domestic as well as foreign tourists.
There is also an effort to start water sports on the Brahmaputra with speed boats, something which has never been tried in an organised manner, he says.
Keeping the Umananda temples in the background, a light and sound festival during the evenings as well as cultural programmes, featuring the rich ethnic diversity of the state, could also be organised, he says. Bureau Report
However, state Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog says, "The government had recently sent a proposal to the Centre worth about Rs 6 crore to beautify the riverside of Brahmaputra which could attract tourists and make Guwahati city clean."
The proposal includes starting river jetties and a ropeway from Guwahati city side to Umananda, the Shiva temple, for the benefit of the visitors, Neog says.
Voicing hope that the proposal could be cleared, the minister says a proposal to beautify the river has also been cleared by the Union water resources ministry and the government hopes to work in tandem with the Union ministry. "Brahmaputra river in Guwahati has a very important and special role to play in inviting elite tourist including foreigners, which can substantially contribute to the earnings of the state," says Robin Dutta, a tour operator.
He, however, says that an exclusive area catering to tourists and devoid of all "unwarranted interference" is yet to be provided.
Dutta explains that the important factor was to keep the "exclusive factor" in mind and cater to the elite class of tourists who are prepared to spend money but in no way want to be in discomfort or in an unsafe area.
"Keeping this in view, the idea of exclusive tourist park with adequate facilities for leisure, viewing and enjoying the beauty of the mighty river has become very relevant," Dutta says.
Keeping the Umananda Hills, situated in the midst of the river which has a temple of Lord Shiva, in the background a project has been formalised for providing infrastructure in the exclusive areas along the river right from the Latasil Park area to the Bar Library, he says. Another important issue is hotel facilities: They need to be improved both in the city and along with the Brahmaputra front, for housing the tourists.
Dutta also elaborates on another plan of his to set up a unique cultural centre here which would showcase the dying art forms of the great Assamese sculptors and artists.
Lamenting that the arts and crafts of the area have been "dying", he stresses the need to revive them through this centre which would act as a gallery to display those products which could be a major sources of attraction both for domestic as well as foreign tourists.
There is also an effort to start water sports on the Brahmaputra with speed boats, something which has never been tried in an organised manner, he says.
Keeping the Umananda temples in the background, a light and sound festival during the evenings as well as cultural programmes, featuring the rich ethnic diversity of the state, could also be organised, he says. Bureau Report