Guwahati, March 11: Assam is set to go the Kerala way by hardselling its countryside to the outside world. Clearly influenced by the southern state’s village and ecology-based tourism models, the Assam tourism department has decided to set up “model villages” to showcase its ethnic and cultural wealth.
To begin with, the department has identified a predominantly Karbi village, Phumen Ingti, for its project.
The village is located just three km from the Kaziranga National Park, home to the largest population of the one-horned rhino.
Next on the department’s list are Sualkuchi and Bhalukpung. The ambience of these villages will be developed in such a manner that tourists get an insight into the lifestyles and cultures of the major tribes of Assam.
“More model villages will be developed depending on the success of Phumen Ingti project. It is an entirely new concept that has been greatly appreciated by the Union tourism ministry. The project report has been accepted and the funds required for its implementation are likely to be sanctioned soon,” minister of state for tourism Ajanta Neog said.
About 150 Karbi families are based in Phumen Ingti at present. To transform it into a “model village”, the tourism department plans to reserve some areas for other tribes like the Bodos, Misings, Rabhas and Tiwas.
The rationale behind selecting Phumen Ingti for the project is its “strategic” location. “Since it is located near the internationally-famous Kaziranga National Park, attracting tourists to the village, if developed and advertised properly, will not be difficult,” Neog said.
Phumen Ingti will enjoy pride of place on the tour map that the tourism department has drawn up. The other spots that will be promoted include the river island of Majuli and the Pabitora wildlife sanctuary.
According to the blueprint, Phumen Ingti will have a tourist reception hall, a community hall for programmes and arts and crafts exhibitions and sale counters for locally produced items.
The village will also have better roads, uninterrupted supply of electricity and drinking water, an efficient sewerage system, markets and work-sheds for craftspeople. The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 54 lakh.
“The entire area will undergo a transformation as the project is executed,” Neog, a first-time minister, said.
“Our future plans will depend on the success of Phumen Ingti. If the experiment is successful, mobilising funds for more such projects will be relatively easy. We want to make Assam the Shangri La of rural tourism,” she added.