Kokrajhar, Dec. 8: The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has big plans for transforming Manas National Park into a tourist hub.

The council has urged the Union government to build a helipad for the development of tourist activities in Manas.

Speaking to The Telegraph, BTC deputy chief Kampa Borgoyary, in charge of forest and tourism department in the council, said: “The council has proposed a helipad at Basbari for development of tourist activities in Manas and to invest money for the mega destination under the Union ministry of tourism.”

Borgoyary said the council has taken several steps to develop Manas and transform it to an important tourist destination.

“BTC has taken the initiative for the development of Manas and hopes to meet Unesco’s criteria by recommending the strengthening of security, management, development of infrastructure and providing technology and expertise to the forest staff,” he said.

After nearly two decades, Manas has got rid of the “in danger” tag attached to it by Unesco’s World Heritage Committee in June.

The BTC deputy chief said an “interpretation” hall, a cultural and handicrafts hub and a ticketing-cum-information centre were in the pipeline at Basbari.

A tourist guesthouse on the way to Namlang, Bhutan, and a control centre at Kahitema are also in the pipeline.

In addition, a mahout-training centre, along with residential quarters, is coming up at Basbari.

As a gesture to promote eco-tourism, 40 cottages at Basbari, 20 cottages at Kokilabari and 10 each at Bhuyapara and Panbari are being constructed.

A picnic spot is being planned at Basbari, Kokilabari, outside the park area.

Logistical support would be provided by a local NGO at Mauzigendri for the tourist cottage.

Borgoyary said BTC has planned to include 361 square km of Kuklung and Amteka range on the western side and nearly 40 square km of Batabari range on the eastern side to be managed and notified as an integral part of Manas.

He said the road connectivity from Basbari to Matanguri, including bridges inside the park, had been completed.

The other roads inside the park like Kokilabari-Matanguri-Daimary, Bhuyanpara-Daimary, Kuribil-Daimary and Panbari-Gabrukunda have been maintained.

Borgoyary said BTC supports the idea of transborder conservation with Bhutan, because BTC and Bhutan share forest areas and a border. “For better management and conservation for forest and wildlife in future, a transborder conservation policy with Bhutan is a must,” he said.

The Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) recently donated eight motorcycles, binoculars, winter attire, mosquito nets, carry bags, shoes to the frontline staff.