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Borail Eco-Camp in Assam: A Good Example of Forest Department and Community Partnership
In line with the Assam government’s policy of promoting eco-tourism in all possible areas to bring out the livelihood of the local people, Borail Eco-Camp was inaugurated on 11 November in Cachar district of the state. The local camp is located in the Borail Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the few protected areas among the lush green forests of Assam and home to the country’s only monkey – the Hoolock Gibbons.
Located in the Barak River valley in South Assam, the fringes of the sanctuary are home to the indigenous people who have led a mixed lifestyle in nature and want to showcase their native culture and traditional customs. To include these people in the development and promotion of the Borail Wildlife Centre, while ensuring the generation of livelihoods, the Borail Eco-Camp was conceptualized by the Forest Department of South Assam Circle.
Interaction Mental IndianChief Conservator of Forests, South Assam Circle, Mr. Sivakumar Periyasamy, IFS, and District Officer, Cachar, Mr. Tejas Mariasamy, IFS, described the basic purpose and special features of the local camp.
DEVELOPMENT OF ECO TOURISM IN BARAK VALLEY
The local camp was set up at the beginning of the year 2022 and was officially opened today, 11 November, after the inauguration of local MP Mihir Kanti Shome (Udharband constituency), who also toured the camp along with them. other dignitaries and forest officials.
CCF Sivakumar Periyasamy said, “This is the first initiative to develop tourism in the Borail area with the help of local communities. Barak Valley is a high potential location for this type of intervention. It is part of our plan to strengthen the Guwahati-Shillong-Barak-Dima Hasao-Kaziranga valley.
WHAT A WONDERFUL LOCATION
What makes this camp stand out is its beautiful location. The crystal clear water of the river invites visitors to dive and swim in the cool deep, or use their fishing skills to test their patience!
Set in the heart of Borail Wildlife Sanctuary, the camp has a lot to offer nature and adventure lovers. Besides the joy of living in the forest, guests and visitors can also experience the traditional Khasi village life, exploring the simple but happy village lifestyle, enjoying their unique cuisine, songs and games. Evenings can be spent around a warm campfire enjoying a traditional sunset.
For sports and fitness enthusiasts, there are guided hikes, escorted nature walks, and a playground for local residents to play badminton or volleyball. There is also a coffee house where one can enjoy a book and a cup together to enhance the joy of reading. There is something for everyone, tailored to enhance the experiences of nature and culture.
THE COMMUNITY IN THE AREA THEY RUN IN
The USP of the camp is a good mix of social engagement, conservation, and sustainable tourism. It will be fully staffed and managed by the villagers of Indiranagar, a small village of 32 families on the edge of the Borail Forest, on the Doolo River.
Originally Khasi, the villagers are a fair mix of traditional traditions and a modern way of thinking brought about by education. The youngsters all speak English, sing Khasi and English songs, and have experience climbing tall betelnut trees and catching fish with their bare hands!
An Eco Development Committee was created specifically for the villagers to manage the environment. All income from the camp will go to this committee. “We have sent board members for training in hospitality and tourism management at the Pratam Institute in Pench, Maharashtra. In the beginning, maybe for a year or two, we will do some hands-on work, but, move on later, to allow them to full control of the camp, said DFO Tejas Mariswamy.
LOW IMPACT TOURISM
Eco-camping also happens to fall into the low-impact tourism category as it is designed to be cost-effective and nature-based. “We use solar energy and natural materials like tents and bamboo huts. We prefer to stick to eco-friendly products,” said Mr. Marisawamy.
Borail Eco Camp is now open for booking on the official website: www.visitborail.org.
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