Developing tourism in Barak Valley for sustainable economy

SILCHAR: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's stress on promoting tourism in Assam has been widely welcomed by nature lovers of a state which has rich treasure of natural beauty and splendour. The state has all the potential to become the epicentre of tourists in Asia. After all, tourism is an industry with rich dividends. Even smaller countries like Malaysia, Switzerland and closer home Thailand have become tourist destinations. Tourism in Assam could by now be at its peak but for years of gun-culture, frequent agitations and bandhs. The peace-loving people of Assam want to see their state as the best tourist place.

Barak Valley too can be a tourist place for its abundance of nature, scenic spots, historical and religious sights. Rs 6 crore alone was spent by the district administration of Cachar at the initiative of Ajit Singh, the then Minister of Tourism, to highlight tourist places by holding 3 day 'Barak Festival.' After that, it was all lost. An initiative was also mooted to plan Barak-Dima Hasao District tourist circuit to allow lovers of 'flora and fauna' go around the places of attractions by developing and improving basic infrastructures.

The scenic spots included in the circuit were Shon Beel, the second largest seasonal wetland of Asia, known for its hazel trees and varieties of fishes, in the district of Karimganj, mysterious cave in Bhuban Hills, best for trekkers and adventurers in Cachar, Jatinga Valley of beauty and birds, Umrangshu the enchanting lake, the bewitching grandeur and splendour of hills of Dima Hasao District among others. Jatinga Valley, 10 km down Halflong, is virtually a paradise for nature lovers.

In fact, as Dr Prthankar Choudhury attached with Department of Environmental Science, Assam University, said, "Shon Beel with its grace and majesty of nature and the wonderful hazel trees can be promoted as a potential tourist destination in South Assam." The famous war memorial at Malegarh near Karimganj dedicated to the brave mutineers from Chittagong armoury who killed 16 British soldiers including Major Byng in encounter to intercept them is yet another important historical sight to visit.

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