MANAS, Dec 23 ? The picturesque Manas National Park that had been a favourite destination for both domestic and foreign tourists before it was hit by a prolonged social disturbance in the late 80s and the 90s, is witnessing a reasonable flow of tourists this season. In fact, the response from tourists has been such that almost all the accommodations in the Park are booked till February. The Park normally remains open for visitors from November to March/April.
?The response from tourists, including those from abroad, has been extremely encouraging. Everyday we are getting inquiries regarding booking, and many tourists have been disheartened as the accommodation in Manas is rather limited,? Manas Field Director Abhijit Rabha said.
Manas is the place where pristine forests, breathtaking landscape and diverse wildlife combine to bestow on it a unique charm, something rarely to be seen anywhere in the world. The panoramic view at Mathanguri, where the surging Manas river emerges out of the rugged hills of Bhutan and splits into two channels, is indeed a manifestation of nature in her unblemished self.
?The arrival of tourists in large numbers is indicative of the fact that normalcy has returned to Manas. It is a very positive development, as it sends out the right signal to everyone that Manas is a safe place to visit,? Rabha said.
In spite of its immense potential, Manas has been hamstrung by sheer apathy and neglect from the authorities. The State Government has done precious little to develop its infrastructure and project it as an ideal destination.
The main road (Barpeta Road-Bansbari) connecting Manas with its headquarters at Barpeta Road has been in a state of perennial decay for decades ? something that speaks volumes about the attention this biodiversity hotspot and a World Heritage Site is getting from successive governments. This year the situation got worsened after the bridge at Kalpani was washed away. Now tourists are being taken to Manas through a much longer and arduous journey on a different route.
?The state of roads to Manas has been a constant embarrassment to us, as every tourist complains us about it,? Mohan Chandra Brahma, Ranger of the Bansbari Range (the only tourist zone in the Park), said.
This year?s floods have had a very devastating effect on a large number of fringe areas of Manas, which is likely to have far-reaching implications on its conservation prospects. Vast tracts of cropland have been damaged and thousands of families rendered homeless, many of who are still taking shelter in makeshift refugee camps on the roads. With their source of livelihood lost, it is natural for them to look at the forests as a gainful earning avenue. There are families that have been residing along the Barpeta Road-Bansbari road for nearly two years now.
Tourism, if managed effectively, can do a world of good to Manas, which is undergoing a critical period of recovery following years of unrest and violence. Besides hastening the pace of normalcy in the Park, it can contribute a lot to the uplift of the undeveloped fringe areas. ?The whole area stands to gain if eco-tourism thrives. It can create ample avenues for gainful employment for the locals, who can also profit by showcasing their rich cultural heritage,? said Rabha.
While jungle trackers and guides can come up from the local youths, the prospects of introducing traditional home stays for tourists can also be explored ? given the rush of visitors and the limited accommodation. Apart from benefiting the villagers, it would also offer the tourists, especially the foreigners, a rare opportunity to experience first hand the local culture and lifestyle. Such traditional lodgings are having good response in several protected areas in the country.
Tourism can also act as an effective antidote against activities detrimental to the Park?s interests, such as poaching and tree-felling. ?One of the reasons why the Bansbari Range is comparatively more secure than the other two ranges has been the presence of tourists. Along with visitors, the whole area remains busy and naturally there is more vigil,? Dr Anwaruddin Choudhury, noted conservationist, said.
Meanwhile, forest officials and wildlife experts are now considering the possibility of reintroducing the rhino in Manas. The entire rhino population in Manas had perished during the disturbed period (although there have been unconfirmed reports of two or three rhinos still surviving). ?A feasibility study of translocation of rhinos from other protected areas can be done after achieving a proactive anti-poaching level in Manas,? said Rabha. Agrees Dr Anwaruddin Choudhury, ?It is only after foolproof security is ensured that reintroduction of the rhino can be considered.?
According to Rabha, in order to achieve natural grazing succession or herbivore-grassland interaction, 20 to 22 rhinos are needed. ?Translocated individuals are to be radio-collared and monitored for protection,? he said.
?My personal view is that rhinos in Manas were able to sustain in much drier habitat compared to Kaziranga, Orang and Pobitora,? he said.