Helicopter services, wildlife sanctuary to develop tourism in Dima Hasao hill

Karimganj: Introduction of a helicopter service, creation of a wildlife sanctuary and development of tourism as an industry are under active consideration for development of Dima Hasao hill district in Assam. The introduction of a regular helicopter service linking Dima Hasao’s headquarters Haflong with Silchar and Guwahati was being favourably examined by the Centre, officials said here on Wednesday. [caption id=“attachment_493947” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Reuters[/caption] Stating this was in addition to improving surface connectivity, the officials said the helicopter service was mooted for people to avail it at an affordable price. With the signing of the Dimasa Accord and peace returning to the district, people now look forward to seeing the region emerging as a place of interest with all the treasure trove of nature and history, they added. To develop the district as a tourist destination, the state government and the Ministry of Environment and Forest have surveyed and identified the total forested area for creating a wildlife sanctuary in Borail Hills with necessary infrastructure, they said. In addition to it, other spots of scenic beauty and the world famous Jatinga Valley, known for the mysterious bird behaviour during a particular season of the year, will be developed to attract tourists, the officials added. With the thrust on development of tourism as an industry, the Archaeology Department of the state government and the Archaeological Survey of India will undertake a survey of heritage sites of the ethnic Dimasas and non Dimasa indigenous people for putting them on the tourist circuit. Khaspur - the last bastion of Dimasa kingdom - though in neighbouring Cachar district, along with other historical sites including Maibong which was also a seat of Dimasa kingdom, will be developed. The officials also said the Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council (DHATC) will formulate projects for preservation and maintenance of heritage sites. Both the central and state governments were also considering the allocation of higher funds to the DHATC to undertake viable developmental activities to accelerate the socio-economic amelioration of the people as stipulated in the Accord. PTI