CM lays foundation stone of Swadesh Darshan Scheme at Dibru-Saikhowa

From A Correspondent

Tinsukia, Jan 2: Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of Swadesh Darshan Scheme at Dibru-Saikhowa tiol Park to develop a theme based tourist circuit in an integrated manner to cater to both mass and niche tourism at Chabua in Tinsukia district. It may be mentioned that the Government of India has decided to create a tourist circuit around specific themes in order to attract tourists both domestic and intertiol. Under Swadesh Darshan scheme 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development mely North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krish Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramaya Circuit and Heritage Circuit. The me of the circuit which Chief Minister Sonowal laid foundation stone today is Mas-Pobitora-meri-Kaziranga-Pani Dihing- Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Circuit. The Rs 19 crore circuit would encompass the components like tourist information centre, watch tower, cafeteria, approach road, handicraft exhibition centre, angling platform, security fencing etc.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the project has the potential of preserving local traditions, culture and customs. The project, which would be developed in synch with ture, would also go a long way in enriching scopes of tourism in the state besides increasing local employment opportunities, he stated. Sonowal also asked the people of Chabua to consider the project as their own and extend all possible cooperation for the successful implementation of the project.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Tourism etc Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma while speaking on the occasion hailed the project as a great tourism booster. He said since the local people would be engaged in successful implementation and operation of the project, it would lead to an improved quality of life for the people living in the surrounding areas. He also expressed hope that once the project is implemented the state would witness phenomel increase of footfalls of both domestic and foreign tourists. Minister for Labour and Employment, Tea Tribes Welfare Pallab Lochan Das, Chabua MLA Binod Hazarika, ATDC Chairman Jayanta Malla Baruah and a host of dignitaries were also present on the occasion.