Foresters have sounded an alert to the
mushrooming of resorts in and around Gorumara National Park,
which has in the past few years emerged as the most popular
tourist destination in the Dooars.
“We are concerned over the growth
of resorts as forest and wildlife conservation, rather than
tourism, continues to be our priority,” said P.T. Bhutia,
the conservator of forests (wildlife-north Bengal) at the
inauguration of Riverwood Forest Retreats. The resort set
up here — 35km from Jalpaiguri town and 500m from the
forest — by Waxpol Industries Limited was opened yesterday.
“It is time to contemplate on the sustaining capacity
of Gorumara, which is spread across only 85 sqkm. We don’t
want it to become a destination of mass tourism.”
Data on the growth of resorts justify the
foresters’ apprehension. In 1999-2000, only 7,815 tourists
had visited Gorumara and there was only one resort. Eight
years later till June 2008, the number of visitors was 50,554
with 31 resorts built in the area.
“Resorts should have arrangements
for disposal of wastes, refrain from the use of plastic and
avoid sound pollution. It is also their responsibility to
convince their clients to follow the rules of the forests,”
Bhutia said.
As to how much pressure Gorumara can sustain,
Bhutia said his department was keeping a check on the number
of tourists entering the core area by issuing a fixed number
of tickets everyday. But most resorts have come up in fringe
areas, which are not under the authority of the department.
“Although a recent development, the
state pollution control board can now issue no-objection certificates
to these resorts,” said Bhutia. Tapas Das, the divisional
forest officer (wildlife-II), reminded lodge owners their
social responsibility. “Many local youths trained by
us work as guides. There are also a number of cultural troupes
in the area,” he said. “Resort owners are expected
to engage these people.”
Entrepreneurs of Riverwood Forest Retreats,
which also runs Sunderban Tiger Camp, promised to comply with
forest norms. A one-day-one-night stay in any one of the 12
rooms for one person is Rs 6,700 and for two Rs 8,150. For
children in the age group of 6-12 years, the rate is Rs 2,050.
The cost includes meals and pick-ups and drops from New Jalpaiguri
station or Bagdogra Airport. Children below six years will
not be charged for the stay.
“We have already started training
our employees in practices like garbage recycling,”
said Akangsha Garg, the chief executive officer of Waxpol
Hotel and Tourism Division. “We have also recruited
30-odd local youths for different posts. A shop for local
artisans has been set up so that they can sell their products
to the visitors directly.”
Courtesy: Telegraph |
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