Tourism has become one of the most flourishing industries in the world. Today, it is the second largest and fastest growing industry, next only to the petroleum industry. Worldwide, tourism is emerging as one of the biggest employers compared to any other economic sector. It offers opport...unities for economic, cultural and political exchanges, generates employment, foreign exchange and raises living standards. It facilitates social integration and international understanding.
The vast potential and the need for rapid development was recognised only in the Seventh Plan, subsequent to which tourism was accorded the status of an Industry, thereby encouraging private investments in this sector. The national action plan for tourism (1992), defines the objectives of tourism development in India and the primary strategy for its development:
- It is a unifying and a nation-building force, through fostering greater national and international understanding, particularly amongst the youth of the country.
- It serves to preserve and enrich India’s cultural heritage.
- It brings socio-economic benefits.
- Improvement of tourist infrastructure
- Developing areas on a selective basis for integrated growth, along with the marketing of destinations on the basis of a ‘Special Tourism Area’ concept.
- Restructuring and strengthening of institutions for development of human resources.
- Evolving a suitable policy for increasing foreign tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings.
Tourism development in Dooars/Terai: It is unfortunate that due to socio-political and geographical reasons, the entire Dooars/Terai region has remained neglected and backward from the development point of view. It is pertinent to mention here that progress and benefits have not reached the Dooars region even today. The concept of Tourism development is very little in this region and is in its infancy. A few states like Sikkim and Assam have taken a few strides in developing tourism, with emphasis on eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, cultural tourism and adventure tourism. The other states have also commenced their efforts during the last decade.
Government must identify Dooars as a potential foreign tourist destination and must take "special plans" for development of tourism in this region.
Location advantage
- Dooars has a location advantage and can be covered as a part of either Darjeeling-Sikkim tour or a trip to Kingdom of Bhutan or Assam.
- To attract foreign tourists, Dooars should be promoted along with Darjeeling Himalayan region.
The annual tourist inflow to the State during 2006-07 was 1,65,25,000 tourists, comprising 1,55,00,000 domestic tourists and 10,25,000 foreign tourists. It is to be noted that Dooars accounts for nearly 10-15 per cent of tourists in eastern region.
PERESPECTIVE PLANS The perspective plan emphasises nature and eco-tourism (forest and water based recreation, wildlife sanctuary, sightseeing), adventure tourism (mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, rafting, boating), culture and heritage tourism, and educational tourism Apart from existing tourist based functions within dooars/Terrai locations, a film studio, eco-lodges, eco-convention centre, amusement park, aquatic park, theme park, artisan’s village cum vocational training centre, botanical gardens, and zoological garden can be proposed. Dooars has a huge tourism potential. It can attract foreign tourists through promotion of wildlife and tea tourism .
It is suggested that:
- A comprehensive tourism plan should be prepared for Dooars and Terai to promote the tourism industry. Promotion of tourism demands more transit accommodation facilities near the transit interchange points such as railway stations, and regional bus stands, resorts for the year-round use, and development of tourist shelters in the forest areas.
- Effective utilisation of natural resources to promote under-utilised and lesser-exposed destinations in the region, and preservation of scenic and historic environments to attract domestic and international tourists.
- Strict enforcement and ban on activities such as illegal felling of trees in the forest areas, illegal boulder and pebbles extractions in the rivers, excavation of soil for brick kiln purposes, automobile movements within the sensitive natural zones, hunting and unregulated fishing.
- At the level of local recreation, wood parks have been proposed on the eastern bypass near Baikunthapur forest, Madhubagan forest as well as near Naxalbari Urban area. The area comprising Patiram, Kauakhali and Kalam on the south of Matigara Hat have been designated as the central recreational open space, containing organised parks, playgrounds and nature parks. The river edges, especially along Mahananda in Siliguri, Basra in Kalchini and Karala in Jalpaiguri should be developed into continuous recreational stretches
Government can also plan to set up a couple of tourism centers in Kolkata and Siliguri, which would act as "one stop destination" for tourism-related activities in the State. The Siliguri centre will be responsible for promotion of tourism in North Bengal.
Getaway tourism in the vicinity of Siliguri, Malbazar and Alipurduar
Within 60 to 70 km radius of above locations and along all the exit routes of the towns, about 40 or 50 sites should be identified and earmarked for development of tourist resorts, day centres, picnic spots etc. to provide facilities to weekend tourists & getaway tourists.
Highway Tourism
To make the road journeys of tourists and other travellers safe, secure and pleasant, composite wayside facilities should be constructed on all National and State Highways within the entire North Bengal at distances of 25/30 kms. ¾ acres of land at each such site shouldl be identified/acquired and earmarked for constructing such facilities.
Heritage sites are precious for a country. In tune with the policy of the Govt. of India the Department of Tourism will take appropriate measure for promotion of heritage tourism in the State. Heritage buildings, forts, monuments, temples, churches, mosques etc. at or near Jalpaiguri District, Coochbehar town should be identified and efforts should be made to restore, preserve and promote them as places of tourist interest with Central/State assistance and/or with the help and participation of private sector, wherever feasible.
Adventure tourism comprises trekking in the forests and the hills, mountaineering, mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, yachting, river rafting, long-distance swimming and para sailing, car rally etc.
Adventure Tourism should be promoted by the Government in consultation with the Forest and Environment Deptt., various Sports association of Dooars and Terai, the Sports and Youth Services Deptt. and various NGOs.
An Amusement Park is always a centre of great tourist attraction. Government must construct amusement parks in various tourist spots of dooars and terai on priority basis. Smaller amusement parks may be constructed in the census/municipal towns and big industrial towns.
State Tourism Department in consultation with the District Collectors and NGO’s should identify and earmark suitable sites for this purpose and invite private sector to invest in such projects.
Siliguri is the gateway to North-Eastern States of India. It has the potential to develop into a world-class Convention Centre. The liberalisation of the country’s economy has attracted the attention of international hospitality chains. Apart from bringing in foreign direct investment, international chains are likely to contribute to the upgradation of Indian managerial and marketing talent to global standards in the hospitality sector. International trademarks in hospitality will ensure the much-needed quality assurance for marketing India as a competitive tourist destination.
To facilitate this, suitable sites (each measuring 15/20 acres of land) for setting up state-of-the-art Convention Centres on the pattern of Bigyan Bhavan at Delhi should be identified and earmarked in and around Siliguri or Bagdogra. To achieve this target Bagdogra Airport should be upgraded as International Airports. Government must welcome Private Sector investment in this purpose.
There is tremendous scope for development of tourism based on wildlife in Dooars.The presence of a number of national parks, including Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve in Dooars, would also act as catalyst to the growth of wildlife tourism in this region. The Govt. should endevour to create better tourist facilities at or near such sites in conformity with the policies, rules & regulations for conservation of environment and ecological balance to enable tourists to appreciate the variety of flora and fauna in the dooars locations.
Agro-Tourism
There is a tremendous opportunity in agro tourism in both Darjeeling Himalayan and Dooars region. There are some firms working on this line. The tourist come and enjoys the natural beauty with fresh agri-products from the field. The region is still virgin and needs to be exploited. However, the infrastructure likes air connectivity, good road, electricity without disruption, clean drinking water, market access and other required facilities in the area or vicinity is required to be developed immediately for the betterment of agro tourism. West Bengal Forest development Corporation Ltd. And some private enterprises are involved in this business since last few years in this region. But there is much more to be done in this line where hundreds of farmers can make additional income from this sector. The agro tourism can provide employment of hundreds of rural youths if promoted properly.
Plantation Tourism
Dooars/terai of North Bengal have a large number of lush-green tea estates. Many such tea estates have some surplus lands and many of such estates are now eager to develop eco-friendly tourist resorts on their surplus lands.
The Government must encourage and consider the proposal of the willing tea estates.
Government must develop an Information-cum-Tourist Amenities Centre in each block of dooars region with a high-end tea interpretation Centre, which showcases the tea industries evolution. Government must encourage reputed hotel chains to develop such type of hospitality projects in different part of metro cities and also encourage investors to set up projects in dooars and terai locations. With an eye on attracting both domestic and foreign tourists, the government must embark an ambitious project for the development of an integrated tea tourism circuit. There is need to sanction specific schemes for the development of infrastructure and accommodation in North Bengal to promote tea tourism.
Tourists who are visiting Dooars areas had showed interest in staying in the tea gardens and see how tea leaves are plucked and processed. Tourists are also attracted to the lush green tea gardens and the scenic beauty. So why not promote the tea gardens as tourists spots?
The government should try to rope private parties so that it can commercially exploit the potential of tea tourism through public private partnership.
By : N.Burman, President, Dooars Terai Nagarik Manch
Dooars has several national parks. Those parks are very adventures also. one can easily fell the adventures of those parks.
ReplyDeleteNice post to read. A splendid town in the Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal, Dooars (daaors) act as the doorway to the entire north-eastern region of India being located in the Indo-Bhutan border. The valley is covered in lush greenery offering a rejuvenating sight for the eyes of a tired city dweller. Drained by mountain rivers like the Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka, Raidak and their tributaries, the aura of the valley refreshes the body and soul of visitors. Most parts of the valley are covered in thick verdant forests. Explore all best hotels in Dooars also.
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