Once a wasteland, now a tourist spot Kabita Duarah HAJO, July 26 The satellite pilgrim township of Hajo which is the closest verdant retreat from the bustling capital city has added another tourist wonder to its existing treasures in the form of the new-look Pitkati Beel. The facelift at the initiative of the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) is not less than a resurrection story for this beel expanding over an area of 99 bighas.
Prior to the ATDC taking over charge of infusing a new lease of life to this vast expanse of swamp, it had a dense growth of hyacinths and other water thriving plants. One of the most breathtaking spots in the pilgrim town, this beel located in the backdrop of a line of hills was neglected and almost forgotten.
Under the tourism development project of the ATDC encompassing the Hajo town and Kamakhya funded by the Central Government, this beel has now emerged as one of the important destinations on the tourist itinerary. The beautification of the beel and construction of a tourist facility centre close to the beel has been completed at the detailed estimated amount of Rs 64,94,204. The sanctioned amount for this site was Rs 37,75,000, but as proposed development works at Hayagrib Madhav temple, Ganesh temple and development of pond at Kedarnath temple were taken up by the Kamrup district administration, the sanctioned amount of Rs 20,98,000 for these three sites were diverted to improving the Pitkati site.
There were initial hurdles when we undertook cleaning of the beel. It was a daunting task. But the support of the local people ensured that our efforts yielded positive results, said an official of ATDC adding that apart from being a tourist attraction, this beel would be used for promoting water sports. One of the traditional sports in this part of the State is boat racing and the game still kindles high enthusiasm in the local people.
It needs to be mentioned here that for the ATDC, a big pat of approval for its work at the Pitkati Beel came when the 2nd National Dragon Boat Championship was held here this month.
On the other hand, the tourist facility centre adjacent to the beel which includes a lodge with four double-bed rooms, a restaurant and a reception centre, has also come up as a great advantage to the backpackers. This centre will be thrown open to tourists from next month.
