The Prospects of Riverine tourism in the Brahmaputra River of Assam
●Introduction:
With the development in transportation and communication, the travelling become an hobby among the people, mostly the younger generation. The ease of travelling is bringing new places in the focus. The north-eastern region also gaining importance as beautifull tourism destination in the recent decade. Assam-the majestic , as a doorway to the north-eastern region also gaining potentiality of the tourism. But due to several issues, Assam has not properly assessed it's tourism potential. The mighty Brahmaputra and it’s numerous tributaries, flaura and fauna could be the bestest way to attract tourists.
●The Brahmaputra and it’s tributaries – the lifeline of Assam :
The Assamese people and society have an incomparable affection to the mighty Brahmaputra and to it’s tributaries. The ethnic tribes of Assam such as Mishing, Deori etc have been residing in the riverbank of the valley since time immemorial. The Brahmaputra and it’s tributaries have been playing a crucial role in the making and celebrating of traditions and societal values in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Bangladesh. The river originated in the Tibet and flows through the Arunachal Pradesh to Assam. In Assam, the river divides the Assam equally into two part from east to west, then flows through the Bangladesh to Bay of Bengal. In the plain areas of Assam, numerous rivers coming from the hills of north and south bank of the Brahmaputra merges with the river. Various new river and also originates with the flowing from east to west and thus creates one of the biggest tributaries system in the world.
● The prospects of riverine tourism in Assam :
Assam, as a motherland of numerous rivers have a great future prospects of Assam. The Brahmaputra and tributaries provides an easy and less expensive waterway for the transportation system. While we focus only in the disadvantages and flood of the river, advantages of the existence of Brahmaputra could be utilized for the development of tourism in Assam. A discussion of the such prospects provided below-
•The Brahmaputra and the cruise tourism :
The using of Brahmaputra as a waterway for travelling would be less expensive for the traveller. It will provide a secure travelling as well as an opportunity to see the flora and fauna. The Cruise ship operation for the purpose will attract the tourists.
•The floating boat houses and restaurants :
The making of floating boat houses in the part of the river next to the bank could be a great ideas as nowadays the cosmopolitan inhabitants searching for a peaceful natural environment with fresh air. The establishing of restaurants along with the boat houses will provide a good experience to the tourists.
• The linking of various places through the river ways:
Connecting of various important places through the river would provide a good experience to the tourists. The linking of important places from east to west or west to east will provide a broader tourism vision.
•Developing heritage villages :
The government could start a project to develop the age old riverine villages into heritage villages. An systematic experiencing of those villages of ethnic tribes will provide a look into the heritage of those ethnic tribes, will give an opportunity to taste the food and experience the multi coloured culture of the tribes.
• The project and site for riverine sports :
The developing of riverine sports such as rafting, boating, swimming, fishing etc could help in the engaging of tourism in the state. The hilly rivers and streams could be the best option for the purpose.
•The water agriculture and tourism:
The large scale floating agriculture in the tributaries( As like the Israeli way of agriculture) during the favourable season could help in the attracting of tourists. For instance, the Bangladesh already adopted the system and a large number of tourists visit Bangladesh every year to experience the floating agricultural system.
•The floating market structure:
•The development of river islands:
The amazing fact is that Assam holds within itself the largest and smallest river island of the world, respectively Majuli and Umananda. The building of appropriate transportation, other facilities and communication will provide more visit of tourists to these islands.
• The enhancement in Char-Chapori's and Tapu's:
The connecting of Char- Chaporis with the tourism could be an another prospect for the tourism . The night camping in those abandoned areas could be a thrilled experience to the tourists.
●Conclusion :
Assam has numerous prospects for the tourism engagement. The river and tributaries could be the best way of approach to the tourism. Though some implementation had already done by the state government for the purpose, The tourism potential of the rivers has not been fully exploited. A broader vision is required for the development of tourism in the state and for that purpose, the strengthening of the tourism department, appointment of eligible officials and professionals, allotting more fund to the department are some much needed steps.
●Bibliography :
◆ An outlook to enhance river tourism in Assam – Kakati, Bishaldeep. Borthakur, Bagmita Sentinel Assam digital desk, Feb 27, 2022
◆North east as viewed by foreigners- Acharya, N.N, New Delhi: Omsons Publications,1985
◆ Essays on tourism- Chib, S.N, New Delhi: Cross Section Publications, 1989
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
