INTRODUCTION:
On August 24, 2020, the State Minister of Assam, Siddhartha Bhattacharya inaugurated India’s longest ropeway across river Brahmaputra.
HIGHLIGHTING ISSUE:
- The ropeway is to cut short the travel time by almost an hour. It is 2 km long and the distance is covered in 7 minutes. One-way ride is to cost Rs 60.
- The ropeway has been built at a cost of Rs 56 crores.
- The construction was initiated in 2006 as a part of beautifying Brahmaputra.
- The ropeway is to be of great help when the ferry services had to be stopped between the banks due to excessive flooding of Brahmaputra.
- The ropeway journey is to provide view of Neelachal hills (where Kamakhya temple is located)
HOW THE TOURISM WAS PROMOTED:
The following steps have been taken by GoI to promote rural tourism in the north east
Connectivity
- Government of India has planned to build 4,000 km long ring roads connecting the north east state capitals by 2020
- Twenty port townships are be developed on Barak river and Brahmaputra river.
- UDAN regional connectivity scheme is also being developed to connect the region through air.
India-Myanmar-Thailand highway
- The India-Myanmar-Thailand highway is being constructed under India’s Act East Policy.
- The highway is to provide connectivity to ASEAN countries.
International Tourism Mart
- This is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism since 2013.
- The event provides opportunities for the tour operators to project the region as a potential tourist destination.
Aamaar Aalohi
- The scheme has objectives providing new dimension by providing rural home stay facilities in the state of Assam.
ASSAM'S TOURISM:
- The first Tourism policy in Assam was announced in 2008. It aims to make Assam a tourist hub in North East India.
- The Government of India is planning to promote rural tourism in the north east.
