Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal delivering lecture during a programme on laying the foundation stone of a project under Swadesh Darshan scheme at Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Tinsukia district on January 2. UB Photos

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of Swadesh Darshan Scheme at Dibru-Saikhowa National Park to develop a theme based tourist circuit in an integrated manner to cater to both mass and niche tourism at Gotong  in Tinsukia district of Upper Assam.

It may be mentioned that the Government of India has decided to create a tourist circuit around specific themes in order to attract tourists both domestic and international. Under Swadesh Darshan scheme thirteen thematic circuits have been identified for development namely North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit. The name of the circuit which chief minister Sonowal laid foundation stone today is Manas-Pobitora-Nameri-Kaziranga-Pani Dihing- Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Circuit. The Rs 19-crore circuit would encompass the components like tourist information centre, watch tower, cafeteria, approach road, handicraft exhibition centre, angling platform, security fencing etc.

Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Sonowal said that the project has the potential of preserving local traditions, culture and customs. The project would go a long way in enriching scopes of tourism in the state besides increasing local employment opportunities, he said. Sonowal also asked the people of Chabua to consider the project as their own and extend all possible cooperation for the successful implementation of the project.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Tourism  Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma while speaking on the occasion hailed the project as a great tourism booster. He said since the local people would be engaged in successful implementation and operation of the project, it would lead to an improved quality of life for the people living in the surrounding areas.

He also expressed hope that once the project is implemented the state would witness phenomenal increase of footfalls of both domestic and foreign tourists.