Potential of tourism development in North East India – APSC Mains Essay
(Essay submitted in APSC Mains Essay Writing Contest 2019 – Essay Topics for week 7)
Potential of tourism development in North East India by Henry Paul
North East India (NEI) is commonly known as ‘Land of Seven Sisters’ is situated on the foothills of mighty Himalaya surrounded by hills and mountains on at least 3 sides. Thus geographically the region has vast green cover and together with multiple ethnic and religious groups, making a colorful picture and a cultural melting pot.
Assam, the gateway of NEI is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park that house much endemic variety of flora and fauna. The state is famous for its one horned rhinoceros, water buffalo, Assam Roof Turtle, Hispid Hare, Goden Langur, Pigmy hog etc. Similarly state of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have Namdapha National Park, Nokrek National Park respectively that serves as major tourist attraction. Deepor Beel, a ramchar site is also a good tourist destination in Assam. Keibul Lamjao National park of Manipur, the only floating national park of world is earth famous. Thus the region has a good potential for environmental tourism and research tourism.
In Cultural & Religious tourism the region is famous for its Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple, various satras of Assam like Garmur satra, Batardawa than etc are famous tourist spot in Assam. Then in Tripura the Unakoti Hill; Tawang Monestry in Arunachal is famous among religious tourist. The ‘mukha silpa’ of Majuli; bell metal work of Sarthebar; Suwalkuchi’s paat muga are world famous. The hornbill festival of Nagaland is a good tourist attraction for the state.
The ethnic sports like Yubi Lakpi, Khong Khonjei etc. of Manipur and Meghalaya can support Sports Tourism. Meghalaya that house Scotland of East i.e. Shillong is famous for its pristine beauty and rainy climate. The name of Maussinram and Cherapunji is worth mentioning. Thus these places have a good potential for tourism. Then why is the region lacks in tourism sector?
Infrastructure, lack of skilled man power, non-presence of environment friendly hospitality sector etc. are hindering the development. The geography of the place hinders normal construction. Also lack of proper connectivity hinders the prospect tourism development. Let’s see the future development aspects.
With change in time and rapid globalization the prospect of “eco tourism” is gaining wind. NEI with perfect flora fauna and cultural melting pot provides a good degree of possibility for its development. As per an Independent survey the tourism potential of NEI is capped around $2billion/year. Also the implementation of “Act East Policy” is the key to development of the region. Eco tourism is sustainable for the region vast green cover and tribal belt as it thinks about development via people to people connection. How to achieve the required thrust?
The opening of Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu has given a boost to connectivity. Thus synchronizing the tourism project with BBIM rail link, India Myanmar Thailand trilateral highway project, Kaladan multimodal project etc. is need of the hour. It will develop the infrastructure that can support other things.
Also the NEC should look for skill enhancement projects for local youth, campaign like Awesome Assam etc. be promoted, the religious hubs be connected with schemes like BHARAT DARSHAN etc. Also vigorous international festival should be organized for the growth of tourism industry.
Thus a proper blue print along with state synchronization is needed to transfer geographical isolation of the region to geographical boon. A proper tourism sector can greatly uplift the socio economic lifestyle of the people that can also solve the insurgents’ problem in the region along with growth of GSDP.
[ 570 Words ]
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