Majuli: The island is set to turn a magnificent "orange", the colour of a sunset, during the three-day Raax Festival beginning on Friday.
The Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) will launch the Majuli Sustainable Tourism Development Project on the eve of the festival to encourage a carbon-free tourism experience and create an environmental protocol for the industry.
As part of the project, altogether 30 orange cycles will be available for rent from the circuit house at Garamur, Sivapawan Konwar, tourism and livelihood officer of the Root Bridge Foundation, told The Telegraph on Monday. The Foundation is an NGO promoting sustainable tourism practices.
The cycles are Btwin Rockriders, lightweight and ideal for difficult terrain. Helmets and other gear will be provided to ensure a safe ride.
The project will include daily storytelling cycle rides to Mishing villages and Vaishnavite xatras . "It is an attempt to promote carbon-free travel and quality tourism practices," said ATDC chairman Jayanta Malla Barua.
"Trained storytellers, local boy and girls, will explain the stories, history and myths of the island. There will be activities where the visitors can experience authentic village life and learn the xattriya culture. The programme will share the benefit of tourism with host communities," he said.
The government had announced that Majuli, the Assembly constituency of chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, will be the first carbon-neutral district in the country and steps were initiated for this goal.
"ATDC aims to promote Majuli as a responsible tour-ism destination. Homestays will be set up under the Aamaar Aalohi project. A three-star resort is also in the pi-peline," said ATDC managing director Kausar Jamil Hilaly .
"The project aims to make Majuli a centre of experiential and transformational travel, which are latest travel trends," said Root Bridge Foundation chairman Javed, adding that they would also set up a cycle café at Garamur.
"We expect to open it by the third week of November. It will provide an exhibition area, library, coffee shop and villagers can sell their handicrafts there," he said.
"We are trying to include women, youth and indigenous communities in tourism value chain," said Root Bridge Trustee Gayatri Baruah.
