Jalpaiguri, Aug. 27: There is more to wilderness than
wildlife and a visit to Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary during the pujas
can prove it.
Cashing in on the cultural diversity
of the tribal communities that have lived in harmony with nature
from times immemorial, the forest department has planned cultural
entertainment programmes to spice up the tourists' stay in the wilds
of north Bengal.
This move, forest officials said, would also the communities a
source of income generation. `We came up with this idea to promote
tribal culture and give local troupes a source of income. Tourists
will also gain an insight into the diverse and rich folk culture
of the region,` said forest minister Jogesh Burman. `We
believe this added attraction will draw more visitors once the tourist
season sets in before the pujas.` A forest department source
said all the forest bungalows of the state had already been booked
for the pujas. `We ought to build more bungalows to accommodate
more visitors to the region, but we cannot do that immediately because
tourism is not our main objective,` he said. The performances
by tribes like Rava, Mech and Toto, the minister said, would give
the tourists the perfect way to unwind after a hectic day of tracking
animals on elephant back and in jeeps. The department is also chalking
out plans to include tribal hamlets that surround the forests in
the package tour offered to visitors coming to explore the wilderness.
`Apart from the forests, many tourists nowadays are also planning
their holidays in tea gardens. The tourism department should ensure
that facilities are upgraded in estates that offer accommodation
and develop trails to nearby villages where the visitor can get
a firsthand feel of the lives of the local people and know about
their cultures,` Burman said.
`We are thinking of discussing these prospects with the authorities
concerned,` he added.
The focus on cultural tourism would also help revive the dying
tribal art forms because souvenir-hunting tourists would love to
buy ethnic tribal mementoes, the minister said. `Local tribal groups do not get any exposure and rarely get
an opportunity to showcase their talents. Apart from helping them
earn a living, such programmes will also give them a fair amount
of exposure,` he said.
`We are sure tourists will love the idea of watching the tribal
troupes perform during the evenings. In fact, we feel this new concept
will give tourism a much-needed boost,` he said.
Courtesy
The Telegraph |
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