GUWAHATI, Feb 7 - Litterateur Manikuntala Bhattacharya on Monday stressed the need for developing the Champawati waterfall of Chapanala in Nagaon district as a tourist destination and to prevent its degradation due to insensitive, large-scale picnicking.
Bhattacharya, who was addressing a function after receiving the Champawati Bota (award) at Chapanala HS School near Puranigudam, said that the Chapanala area also contained many historical relics which needed preservation.
�The potential for developing Chapanala area as a tourist destination is immense. The need is to respect and preserve its natural ambience. The ancient relics which add to the area�s heritage and appeal also need preservation,� she said.
Earlier, Parul Gayan, Principal of the school, gave the welcome address.
A souvenir, Champawati, published by the school, was also released on the occasion.
The award comprises a citation, a shawl, a japi, a gift pack of books and cash.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Hiren Bora, whose film Basundhara-the Earth had won a national award, will be making a film Bahi, based on a popular novel of Bhattacharya by the same name.
Shooting of the movie will begin from March 12 this year. The cast, which has not been finalised yet, is likely to include popular artistes like Barasha Rani Bishoya, Kapil Bora, Pranjal Saikia, among others.