Dhubri: A proposed western Assam tourist circuit could turn heritage, crafts and wildlife into jobs and income for local communities.Eco-tourism promoters have proposed a circuit covering western Assam districts and Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, along with the restoration of tourist lodges built by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation.At a meeting of tourism promoters, artisans and heritage conservationists chaired by accredited tourism promoter Prabin Kumar Baishya in Bongaigaon on Thursday, participants resolved to urge the Assam govt to declare the circuit and promote it through coordinated efforts.Baishya told TOI that western Assam’s tourism potential remained underdeveloped due to a lack of stakeholder initiative.“There are many heritage sites in western Assam, such as Dhubri gurdwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, Netai Dhubini ghat, century-old mosques, Dargah, Mahamaya Dham, Armenian Church, and sites of colonial past in Dhubri town, Matiabag Palace (Hawakhana), Asharikandi Terracotta Cluster of village, Nakata Hills in Bongaigaon and Barpeta Satra in Barpeta district,” Baishya added.He also proposed extending the circuit to Madhupur Satra, founded by Srimanta Sankardev.Asharikandi terracotta artisan Debdas Paul said PM Narendra Modi mentioned the village’s doll-making tradition and that a replica of the terracotta village took part in this year’s Republic Day parade.“We need to work unitedly to highlight the unique things we have in western Assam in front of the rest of the country and abroad, along with building infrastructure to attract domestic and international tourists,” Paul added.A social worker and tourism promoter from Gauripur said Dhubri has rail, road, air and river connectivity that could help support the tourism sector.
