The wilderness has always provided a sense of excitement to man. The onward march of development has left wilderness confined to few pockets and in many areas frantic efforts are being made to conserve these pockets of natural flora and fauna. National Parks sanctuaries have now become the symbols of human efforts in conservation and are of immense significance from the point of enhancing people’s receptiveness and appreciation of the importance of nature and wildlife conservation.

Though the National Park serves as a haven for the enthusiasts, tourism as a value is not very well developed. Even the facilities are sparse for the visiting tourists. The IUCN Eco-tourism programme defines Eco-tourism as environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas in order to enjoy and appreciate nature, that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations. The IUCN also lists the following characteristics that should be demonstrated by an eco-tourism activity.

• It promotes positive environmental ethics and fosters preferred behaviour in its participants.

• It does not degrade the resource.

• It concentrates on intrinsic rather than extrinsic values.

• It is oriented around the environment in question and not around man.

• I must benefit the wildlife and environment.

• It provides a first hand encounter with the natural environment.

• It actively involves the local communities in the tourism process.

• Its level of gratification is measured in terms of education and appreciation.

• It involves considerable preparation and demands in-depth knowledge on the part of both leaders and participants.

OBJECTIVES :

As enunciated, one of the objectives of management is to promote eco-tourism and conservation awareness that is in consonance with other objectives. Keeping this in view the Tourism, interpretation and Conservation Education objectives of the Park are as follows :

• To provide and experience of wilderness to visitors by enabling than to view a cross-section of Protected Area values.

• To build up an interpretive programme to spread awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

• To involve local people in the tourism, interpretive and conservation education programme.

• To develop a biodiversity conservation out reach programme for landscape.

PROBLEMS :

The main problems in achieving this objective are -----

• The Park faces a serious threat of insurgency. Untoward incidents happening in the Park and its periphery causes negative publicity spread that is enough to deter the tourists from including the place in their itinerary.

• The infrastructure available is sparse to cater to needs of tourists. Moreover there is a lack of trained personnel for handling the requirements of this sector.

• Though interpretation centers have been built, interpretive facilities are yet to make their presence felt.

• People’s participation in this sector is virtually absent. The economic benefits that local people may derive have not been spelt out or communicated.

• The approaches and access to the National Park are difficult. The roads are in a state of perennial neglect.

TOURISM ZONE :

Areas to be included
And their Block representation & location in a map
Approximate area to be worked out then.

Main areas : --

• Some portion to the east of Mathanguri.

• River rafting.

• Along Beki up to Bispani.

• Bispani to be developed as a tourist spot.

• Watch towers to facilitate wild life viewing.

• Facilities at Mathanguri.

The Zone contains such areas which will give the visitor an exposure to protected area values. The prescribed regulations will be enforced so as to benefit the visitor while simultaneously ensuring that no damage is caused to the area.

Tourism activities for the present would be restricted to only some areas of Bansbari Range.

(a) Tourism complex at Mathanguri --

Situated at the scenic Indo-Bhutan border along side river Manas ; Mathanguri is a prized spot. There is an upper Bungalow and a lower Bungalow with cottages and a dormitory for the use of tourists. There a 6 suites in the upper bungalow for tourists. The lower Bungalow is in need of renovation. So is the case with the dormitory.

To maintain the sanctity of Mathanguri, picnic spot may be readied at Bispani. Only day visitors will be allowed to Bispani. This measure is suggested to lower any future rise in pressure caused by tourists to Mathanguri. A circutory path to be completed, with Bispani as the halting site for the visitors to have a feel of the jungle.

The interpretation center at Bansbari should be develop so as to give a meaningful exposure to the tourists regarding the importance of Manas and its richness of flora and fauna.

Promotion of Tourism :

To attain the objectives of tourism the following activities need to be undertaken :

• The approaches to the Park would have to be improved. The condition of the Barpeta Road – Bansbari Road makes access a daunting task. The issue of the Roads leading to the Park would be taken up with the Public Works Department.

• Development of tourism related activities will be promoted in nearby townships. People can be made aware of the potential through regional workshops.

• The resources of the State and Central Tourism Departments will be mobilized to promote eco-tourism. A website of the Park needs to established. Travel agencies may be encouraged to bring tourists to the Park.

Development of Infrastructure :

• Tourism complex Mathanguri -- Already discussed.

• Interpretation center -- The interpretive material has to be developed to a plan. It is a fairly specialized task and hence assistance of specialized agency may be sought. The exhibits, models, dioramas etc. Some suggested themes are as follows :

• The energy cycle

• The food chain

• Biodiversity -- its significance and need for conservation

• The Bhabar and Terai tracts

• Project Tiger & Tiger Reserves

• Plant world with special reference to the plants of the Park

• Significance of Snags etc.

• The role of bacteria, fungi and other organisms in natural cycle.

• The cultural history of the Region

• The Bodos.

• Sounds of the forest and their interpretation.

• The man – animal interface.

• Display of contributions from visitors / children.

Other proposals :

Theatre Tribal handicraft Centre.

Other Activities :

Publicity Materials : To enhance the understanding and appreciation of various values of the Park, management policies and programmes and to promote thoughtful minimum impact use of the area and its resources appropriate publicity material will be prepared.

Regulations :

The following regulations shall apply :

• All buildings are to be painted with colours that merge with the surroundings.

• All trees within the complexes in Tourism zones are be varied and tagged. The local and scientific names are to be on display.

• 20 m. strip on either side of forest road shall be kept clear.

• Each residential suite shall have displayed --

• Rules and regulations to be observed.
  (ii)  Map of the area.
  (iii) Photographs of flora and fauna.
  (iv) List of facilities available to visitors.

• All complexes of tourist zone to be equipped with first aid kit. Staff will be given training in first aid.

To regulate tourist traffic, the following regulations shall apply :

• The present system for booking of tourist accommodation will continue.

• The visitors shall be restricted to designated routes.

• Pitching of tents shall not be allowed.

• Visitors will be changed for various facilities and services at rates and as per conditions : fixed by the Government.

• Visitor’s register would be maintained. Format will be prescribed.

• A visitor Book shall be maintained at the Tourism Complexes. Format will be prescribed.

• Use of suggestion, complaint Boxes are prescribed.

• Visitors will be expected to assist in dealing with emergencies.

• The provisions of wildlife Protection Act will govern all tourism activities.

Do’s & Don’ts for visitors :

• Visitors to contact FDTP office to confirm reservation and entry into the Park.

• Visitors to obtain entry permits.

• Reservation permits are non-transferable.

• Carrying of fire-arms of any kind strictly prohibited.

• No pets can be taken inside the National Park.

• Walking or trekking strictly prohibited.

• Driving inside the Park after sunset is prohibited.

• Cooking in rooms not allowed.

• Blowing of horns, playing of car audio / stereo systems, tape recorders etc within the Park is strictly prohibited.

• Visitors required to observe timings for excursions and are prohibited from taking vehicles off designated routes.

• Visitors would be requested to carry litter bags while entering the Park and would be required to bring back their non-biodegradable litter for disposal outside the Park. Throwing litter at sites other than the designated places would be discouraged.

• Lighting of fires would be strictly prohibited.

• Visitors shall not be allowed to collect souvenirs or introduce exotic plants, animals etc.

Site Designed, Developed & Maintained by WebX