GUWAHATI, July 13? Surrounded by hills and with the mighty Brahmaputra passing right through it, Guwahati is ideally located to attract tourists. Unlike most other big cities, Guwahati has not lost its touch with nature. With the objective of harnessing this natural abundance to woo tourists, the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has taken up several projects in and around the city, some of which have already been completed.
Lack of infrastructure has been a major problem for the Kamakhya temple atop the Nilachal hills which is among the holiest Hindu pilgrimage centres. The ATDC is currently implementing two projects there worth Rs 36.25 lakh and Rs 110 lakh respectively. The idea is to build an integrated pilgrim tourist centre at Kamakhya with construction of a boundary wall, sitting and resting sheds, toilet facilities and semi-permanent structure for Ambubachi Mela, approach road to Bogala temple, etc.
The ATDC has recently renovated the Bir Lachit Barphukan Park at Jalukbari. The park now wears a totally new look with various facilities like resting shed and approach area, kiosk, illumination, toilet block, boating, monuments, etc. This scheme was sponsored by the State Government with Rs 43.30 lakh. Construction of pilgrimage cottages at Navagraha temple too has been completed.
A major project of the ATDC is the upgradation and beautification of the city along the riverfront from Kachari bazar to Uzanbazar fish market. It is being done under two phases of a project sanctioned by the Central Government. It provides for green belt, path-walkway, view point, cafeteria, etc. While the first phase has been completed, progress of work under the second phase has been slow because of rising water level. It is expected to be completed by April 2003. The cost of the two phases is Rs 45 lakh and Rs 100 lakh respectively.
ATDC Managing Director Dilip Baruah said Guwahati can he turned into a very beautiful city with some planning. ?However, in doing so we are ensuring that it is not done at the cost of its natural surroundings,? he said. Another ambitious project is the proposed craft village at Guwahati for which Rs 185 lakh has been sanctioned, of which the Central share is Rs 145 lakh and the State share is Rs 40 lakh. The land measuring 228 bighas has already been acquired. The village will showcase the unique traditional handicrafts and handloom of the State and the North-east. It will have an administrative block, exhibition modular units, cottages, approach road, open parking and miscellaneous structures.
The ATDC also plans to set up a mega amusement park in an area of 50 bighas at Sita Sundari Ghopa in Amingaon with financial and technical collaboration with the private sector. However, due to some legal problems, the work is getting a bit delayed. Another unique project which the ATDC feels will change the face of tourism in the State, is the construction of a passenger ropeway from Kamakhya to Bharalumukh. She techno-commercial feasibility report has already been prepared, but some legal tussles in getting the necessary land are delaying the project.
The tourist lodge near the railway station has been renovated at a cost of Rs 55 lakh shared equally by the Centre and the State. It now has all the facilities for a tourist like booking centre, restaurant, bar, PCO, conference room, parking space, etc. Compared to less than Rs 30,000 per month before, now it is earning Rs 1,30,000 even during off-season,? Baruah said. Development of North Guwahati which is a rather neglected area, is also part of the ATDC?s project. Rs 5 lakh has been sanctioned for this, which includes construction of resting shed, sitting benches, toilet facilities, etc.
A sound and light show depicting the rich heritage of Assam through the ages is to be set up at the Sankardeva Kalakshetra. The Rs 80-lakh project is getting delayed due to a pending court case. In contrast to many other sick corporations, the ATDC has been a profit-making body. It has recorded a rapid growth in its income over the years. In 1999-2000 its income was Rs 32 lakh while during 2001-2002 it shot up to Rs 80 lakh. It hopes to touch Rs 1 crore by this financial year-end.