BISWANATH CHARIALI, June 24 � The Biswanath Ghat Dham � better known as �Gupta Kashi� is located on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra, around 10 km away from Biswanath Chariali town towards the south. It is a witness to the age-old heritage of Assam with as many as 27 temples or �devalayas�. Biswanath Ghat has been the centre point of attraction for years for the devotees as well as the tourists and picnickers. There stands the �Barala Shil�, a huge rock, alongside the rivers Burhigang and Brahmaputra. Legend has it that the rock never goes down the water of the river and if it were to happen, the entire world would be flooded. The �Uma Tumuni island� is another point of major attraction in the midst of the Brahmaputra that is full of natural splendour. On the other hand, one can have a panoramic view of the world famous Kaziranga National Park that is situated at the opposite part of the Brahmaputra.
Though there is a vast scope to nurture Biswanath Ghat as a tourist spot, yet little has been done so far by the government agencies. As a result, it has failed to attract the attention of the tourists and has remained as a �picnic-spot� only. People of the locality have been demanding for long to construct a hanging bridge to connect the �Uma Tumuni island� and also to adopt other measures to beautify the island, but everything has fallen on deaf ears. River cruise can also be started at Biswanath Ghat which will help the visitors to enjoy the beauty of the area as well as the Kaziranga National Park. It may be mentioned here that the river cruise introduced during the last �Biswanath Festival�, drew huge crowds and the organisers did earn a good revenue.
The area must have been an important part of the Ahom dynasty. There are lots of �douls�, rock scriptures, brass scripts, books written in �Saanchi paat� etc., in the area. Therefore, the government should think of setting up a �mini-museum�, at Biswanath Ghat. Resorts can also be built in the area.
Lately, the local MLA has initiated a plan to install an archway at the starting point of the road that leads to Biswanath Ghat. It is a laudable effort, indeed. At the same time, it is necessary to take steps to widen the said road. The State Tourism department should also include �Gupta Kashi� in its tours so that the tourists can visit the area.