MIRZA, Oct 31 � While the eco-tourism venture is gaining momentum at various potential sites of the Kulshi river which is blessed with enormous tourism prospects, it is yet to be fully exploited. Already on the global itinerary list, this famed abode of the national and State aquatic animal, dolphin could bring smiles to thousands provided the prospects are tapped in a sustainable and regulated manner.
Domestic tourists aside, overseas tourists from a host of European nations come to have a glimpse of this graceful creature. Country boats parked at the Kukurmara Ghat, nearly 25 km from the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, take the visitors to the specific sites where the dolphins are sighted. Well-acquainted with the behaviour of the aquatic predators, the boatmen receive handsome amounts for their service.
Of the 72-km stretch from Ghoramara to Nagarbera, the predator is seen at the downstream confluences of two wetlands � Sal and Beeldora � because of high fish density coupled with adequate depth of the river. The fishermen forge friendship with the dolphin as survival of the duo pivots on this tributary of the Bramhaputra. �Apart from making extra money, Sihoo helps us catch a rich haul�, informed a three-member group of fishermen. It is worthwhile to note that the C-NES with eminent journalist Sanjoy Hazarika at the saddle is instrumental in promoting dolphin-centric tourism in the Kulshi river. From 2007 onwards, the inflow of foreign tourists is on the rise despite infrastructural inadequacies which are pronounced in the area. As many as 130-odd tourists from Switzerland, Italy, Great Britain, Netherlands, USA and Singapore reported paid visits during the past three years.
The area is also well known for locally woven eri-based products such as shawls, churidars and borkapors which have earned high regards from the tourists. Complement to the weaving skills of Assamese weavers, the products are reported to have brought them premier returns.
It is time to put adequate tourism infrastructure in place. Dolphin watch towers should be put up at the sites where sighting is highest considering the narrow and confined habitat of this highly threatened mammal. During the lean season from October to April, safe movement of dolphins ought to be ensured. �A ban on engine-powered boats was imposed two years ago�, said Devojit Choudhury. Of the five fresh water dolphin species, Baiji found in China�s Yangtze Kiang river has disappeared in 2006. And the running of ferries is reportedly one of the reasons which is attributable to its extinction. So, the enormous tourism prospect of this river should be tapped to benefit thousands of local people.
