Development of tourism in Dooars

Development of tourism in Dooars
By Saumitra Mohan

Tourism is a sunshine industry, we all know but we as a country are still to give it the kind of attention this sector deserves. More than anything else, what is most warranted for attracting tourists to a particular destination are attractive packaging and subsequent marketing which should be very effective. In a district like Dooars, notwithstanding having lots of potential for the development of tourism industry, this sector still remains unexplored. Tourism’s appeal for us should be all the more because of its potential for revenue and employment generation, more so in a relatively under-industrialized state like ours.

For Dooars, what is needed is not only focusing on the identified tourist attractions but also building on our areas of strength along with effective packaging and marketing. In this regard, there are many things, which could be contemplated and considered before finally going finally giving a shape to the blueprint for such a tourism development plan.

Among the principal features of our district, expansive tropical forests come upfront. Since we have many forests including recognized wild life sanctuaries and national parks, conducted wild life safari could be something, which can be easily planned for and implemented. Of course, care should be and would be taken that such safaris do not disturb the quietude or calm or normal, natural life of wilds there. Something like this already exists but sans marketing has not done very well. Again, there are many such wild life sanctuaries and national parks all over the country, which are better equipped and more resourceful, so why should tourists make a beeline to our district. Here, we have to depend not only effective packaging and marketing but also providing something that is not available elsewhere. A safe, barricaded passage through such sanctuaries and parks could be constructed and tourists could be taken through them in the noiseless, emission-free, eco-friendly vehicles (specially manufactured for such places) in the company of a semi-skilled local guide. We could also identify safe beautified places in the midst of the forests where tourists can picnic throughout the day. Arrangements for forest bonfire could also be made but adequate precautions would have to be taken so as to preempt any possibility of wildfire. We also, in consultation of experts, need to give a thought to constructing tree-top restaurants and tree-top houses which, if nice developed, would be big hits and major attractions. Tree trekking could be another innovative way of adventure tourism in the wilds. Vegetative Maze made of bushy plants used in fencing could be developed either in the forests or in our various parks, which would also be a good attraction. In our parks, we can think of developing many such topiary-related structures, making them more attractive.

Another major and eponymous feature of our district is the wide network of small and big rivers, streams and ponds. Knowing very well that West Bengal and its predominant majority are pisciphile (fish-loving), tourists definitely look forward to having such delicious delicacies made of fish, which are not easily available elsewhere. Here, we can combine this penchant for fish delicacies with fishing itself. What we need to do is to identify and develop places where tourists can go there with their fishing line for catching fish themselves. Again, there should be dhabas, kiosks and restaurant, specializing in fish and other riparian food, available nearby where such tourists can go with the fish caught for getting it cooked in one of the various ways (recipes) and having such cooked fish along with other items then and there.

Again, as mentioned above, having so many rivers and streams, though problematic during floods, could also be harnessed productively in another way and that is also not something novel that I am suggesting. The only thing we need to do is to do it well and effectively. I am referring here to the promotion of boating, kayaking and other water sports. We can also develop such river shores as picnic spots.

At the risk of sounding ludicrous, I also feel that what is our liability, could become an asset. Here, I am referring at floods. Can we think of and grope for possibilities of developing adventure tourism by promoting river rafting through the rapids of floods? But for all this, we need a good infrastructure, expertise and private sector participation.

Dooars is also known for its extensive cultivation and production of tea. At a time, when tea prices are falling over the world, we definitely need to look forward to value-added tea products and bye-products. But here I am suggesting something else. Like Café for serving coffee, we can think of Tea Parlor with other added attractions therein where tourists can go to relish different kinds of tea, made in different national and international way. Such parlors could also double up as a library or a juke-box (music on demand). We can also think of Tea Garden Visit by tourists where also there could be such parlors serving tea cultivated and manufactured at that particular tea garden.

Another innovative but workable idea that comes to mind is the concept of Paying Guest tourism. Since we do not have many private hotels or government guest houses for tourists to this district, we can ask for proposals from the residents of this district who have nice houses and who wish to have some extra income. If we can have good volunteers who can earmark one or two rooms in their houses with adequate facilities including food, the problem of tourist accommodation could be resolved. In fact, such accommodation would prove much cheaper for the tourists. We can think of many modalities in this regard once the concept becomes acceptable. We can prepare a list of such volunteers and publicize the same through various means. This concept has many advantages including the opportunity for the tourist to see the culture and values of people of the district at close quarters by having to live with them.
Also, we need to work on a Tourism Triangle including Darjeeling, Cooch Behar and, of course, Dooars. The tourist can be offered a tourism package including places of interest in these three places.

Last but not the least, we also need to develop our hats and markets so that tourists can do shopping and purchase exotic handicrafts and other items including jute products and by-products at affordable rates.

In all this, we need a good planning, attracting packaging and effective marketing not to speak of public-private partnership.