Rs 50-lakh facelift for Kokrajhar's Diplai Beel

Kokrajhar, Feb. 6: Diplai Beel, a natural waterbody, which lies within the vicinity of Chakrachila wildlife sanctuary in Kokrajhar, is all set to get a facelift to make it more tourist-friendly.

The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) administration has taken steps to preserve Diplai Beel, without harming the ecology and environment, by renovating the existing tourist park with financial support from the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA).

The estimated amount of the project is Rs 50 lakh, of which Rs 25 lakh has been released for immediate work of the project.

BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary laid the foundation stone for renovation of traditional waterbodies of Diplai Beel (North and South) under NREGA schemes for 2009-2010.

Mohilary also inaugurated pedal boats and row boats on the Diplai Beel which have been brought to entertain tourists.

Around 16 pedal boats, four rowing boats, 70 lifejackets and 30 lifeboats have been brought at the lake to make it more tourist-friendly.

BTC deputy chief and in-charge of tourism department in the council, Kampa Borgoyary, said the council administration has taken steps to preserve the Diplai Beel without harming the ecology and environment.

Borgoyary said there would be horse-riding, cycling, rowing, boating facilities within the next two years to attract tourists here and the entire Chakrachilla wildlife sanctuary would be connected by ropeways.

“Diplai Beel is nature’s gift to us. It has a beauty of its own, surrounded by the hills. More facilities like boating can attract more tourists from other parts of the country and even outside,” he said and urged local residents to lend a helping hand to preserve the area.

Besides beautification of the waterbody, the lake will be protected by a fencing wall covering 10 square km area .

Diplai Beel is one of the most popular tourist spots of the BTC situated at Diplai under Chakrachilla wildlife sanctuary covering an area of about 1,285 bighas.

The lake is 20km from the BTC headquarters town of Kokrajhar.

Different species of birds, including migratory ones, flock to the beel every year.