19 C
Guwahati
Sunday, February 23, 2025

Sivasagar sees massive inflow of tourists & scant amenities on New Year’s Eve

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Jan 2: Tourists inflow to Sivasagar increased on the eve of the New Year as thousands thronged the historic place for religious tourism. The picnickers observed the restraint order in all places. But the Tourism department appears to be totally oblivious to the tourist amenities in the town despite huge tourism potential.
The historic Talatal Ghar which is regularly visited by hundreds of domestic tourists for picnics does not have free drinking water and toilet facilities available for the tourists, neither any shade nor any permanent construction for the tourists in case of an emergency is available near the relic.
There are no temporary rest camps for the tourists in the town and most domestic tourists cannot afford to book hotel rooms.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has proved to be a deterrent to the tourist inflow. The ASI reportedly cut down the trees inside the historic Siva Dol premises and also removed a Siva-linga from inside the temple. It angered a huge number of religious tourists who visit the shrine every year. When massive protests against the sacrilegious act surfaced, the ASI quickly reinstalled the Siva-linga. The rest house for the devotees built by the Siva Dol Development Committee has been converted into a market complex for monetary gain rather than service to the devotees who visit Sivasagar from faraway places. The ASI is engaged in the renovation of the historic Rang Ghar at a time when the tourists visit the monument in large numbers. Many tourists have expressed their dissatisfaction over the works of ASI. The Dhai Ali that leads to the Pani-Dihing Birds Sanctuary from the town is narrow with no side bund whatsoever. The patch from the Akhoiphutia to the Desang Bridge is horrible with potholes and is highly risky for motorists. The bird watch towers in the sanctuary are in ruins. Drinking water is another problem for the picnic parties camping in the serene Saraguwa wetland areas.
Disangmukh, the picturesque haven for picnickers, is a little developed area now but the tourism sector has not yet helped the locals to reap the harvest of the tourism boom.
Significant development of road connectivity over the last couple of years, especially the opening of the Bogibeel Bridge over the Brahmaputra, has resulted in a massive inflow of tourists from the north bank to Sivasagar. A rise in the purchasing power of the middle and lower middle-class people which enables them to hire or own small cars has also resulted in the boom. Infrastructure in and around Sivasagar has become highly essential to tap the tourism potential for economic growth in the region.

- Advertisement -
The Hills Times
The Hills Timeshttps://www.thehillstimes.in/
Welcome to The Hills Times, your trusted source for daily news and updates in English from the heart of Assam, India. Since our establishment in 2000, we've been dedicated to providing timely and accurate information to our readers in Diphu and Guwahati. As the first English newspaper in the then undemarcated Karbi Anglong district, we've forged a strong connection with diverse communities and age groups, earning a reputation for being a reliable source of news and insights. In addition to our print edition, we keep pace with the digital age through our website, https://thehillstimes.in, where we diligently update our readers with the latest happenings day by day. Whether it's local events, regional developments, or global news, The Hills Times strives to keep you informed with dedication and integrity. Join us in staying ahead of the curve and exploring the world through our lens.
Latest news
- Advertisement -
Related news
- Advertisement -