Eco-tourism calling

Sept. 7: “Save Chakrasila,” “Save Chandardinga,” “Save Kakoijana” — these were some of the slogans that resonated in the Lower Assam districts in the last decade.

Now that the government has conceded most of the demands raised by NGOs engaged in conservation, it’s time to translate those efforts into facilities that future generations can use to their advantage.

One such effort will be taking shape in Dhubri’s Chandardinga hill, a place associated with the Behula-Lakhindar legend. It was here that Behula, the newly wedded bride of Lakhindar, had anchored her boat on her way to the abode of the gods to beg for her husband’s life.

The 284-hectare reserve, located beside National Highway 31 in Chapor revenue circle under Bilasipara sub-division, boasts of a picture-perfect landscape against the backdrop of the Brahmaputra.

During his visit to the district on Monday, state transport minister Chandan Kumar Brahma said the hill reserve would soon be developed into an eco-tourism destination. Official sources said the transport minister recently sanctioned Rs 50,000 for the immediate construction and renovation of the Pagla Baba temple atop the Chandardinga hill.

Brahma also laid the foundation stone for a Rs-4 lakh community centre and a market shed, estimated to cost Rs 3 lakh, at Islamari village on the foothills of Chandardinga village. Both projects will be executed under the Swarna Jayanti Gram Rojgar Yojana.

Speaking to The Telegraph, divisional forest officer H.R. Sarma said Chandardinga holds immense potential to be developed into an eco-tourism spot in the district. “Its proximity to National Highway 31, the Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary and the Florican Garden by the Gourang river is a big advantage. The fact that the area is free of encroachment makes it ideal for eco-tourism,” Sarma said.