GUWAHATI, Dec 22 : In a bid to give a boost to the fledgling tourism sector, the State Tourism Department is developing two circuits – Kaliabor - Jakhalabandha - Nagaon Tourist Circuit and Buddhist Tourist Circuit. The Centre has already released Rs 5.35 crore and Rs 5.22 crore as the first installment for the two projects respectively, which are being implemented by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC).
The Centrally-funded projects are to be executed within a period of 24 months, and any cost escalation on account of delay has to be met by the State Government. The department will also have to submit quarterly progress reports and utilisation certificates for availing the subsequent installments.
In addition, the department is taking up several initiatives to renovate and augment the infrastructure of existing tourist attractions.
Dilip Kumar Baruah, Director, Assam Tourism, told The Assam Tribune that the two new circuits were expected to draw a substantial number of tourists. “The two circuits are part of our efforts to develop new areas as tourist spots so that potential tourists can have a lot to choose from,” he said.
The Kaliabor circuit involves beautification and creation of tourist facilities, water sports, etc., at the Samaguri lake and Kolong river. “The landscape of the picturesque Samaguri lake has already been renovated with amenities like lodging, and some more would be added. Anyone keen on spending a quiet weekend amidst a serene landscape would find Samaguri an ideal destination,” Baruah said.
The plans for the Buddhist circuit include development of tourist infrastructure in a number of Buddhist shrines such as Kalioni and Balipathar temples in Karbi Anglong, Balijan temple in Titabor (Jorhat), Chola Pathar temple in Sivasagar, Surya Pahar in Goalpara, the Tibetan monastery of North Guwahati, etc.
“With adequate publicity, we expect to woo tourists from the neighbouring South Asian countries that have a sizeable Buddhist population,” Baruah said.
Baruah said that in view of the immense scope for adventure sports in the State, the ATDC would be providing more rafts and facilities for angling in the rivers at Manas and Nameri national parks. “We are also providing machine boats to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park,” he added.
Another major plan on the anvil is to develop an area adjacent to the Kolia Bhomora bridge on the Brahmaputra at Kaliabor. “The locale being picturesque, we will set up some cottages and water sports facilities,” Baruah said.
Baruah said that notwithstanding the incidents of terror attacks in the country, the State was still getting a good response from tourists. “Accommodation in all our lodges are recording full occupancy and we are getting more inquiries,” he said.
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