Tinsukia group advocates ‘eco-friendly’ picnics KABITA DUARAH RANGARA (TINSUKIA), Oct 26 – A new concept, eco-friendly picnic has not only evoked curiosity and immense support but also bolstered eco-tourism activities in and around the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.
At a time when nature is subjected to large-scale damage in every picnic season, Wave Ecotourism, a Tinsukia-based group of educated unemployed youth, has been religiously promoting the concept of eco-friendly picnic which has ensured that the areas surrounding the national park and the park itself are spared the damage and ravage.
This is that time of the year when the skies clear up for a long spell ushering the picnic season. The picnic fever has already caught on in the State with educational institutions and private groups drawing up elaborate plans for enjoying a day out, most of them preferring spots close to forest areas.
But picnics here at Rangara will be different this year, too, as picnic groups will be informed prior about the dos and don’ts to be observed near and inside forest areas.
“We arrange eco-friendly picnics during the period from October to March as this is the best time for bird watching, trekking and savouring local culinary delicacies,” said Niranta Gohain of Wave Eco-tourism.
The picnic groups are told that they cannot litter the area or in any way inflict injury to nature. Most picnic groups coming here evince keen interest to go for trekking inside the national park to get a close view of the flora and fauna of the park.
“Before setting out for trekking, we tell the groups that there should be no noise pollution and that silence is the best medium to establish communion with nature,” said Niranta, adding that even the dress code of the groups has to be nature-friendly.
“We also tell the groups that they come in dress that easily camouflages them inside the forest. Some faithfully, especially the older students, follow all our guidelines right down to the dress code,” said Niranta, mentioning that for the young students it takes time to get down to the concept.
It needs to be mentioned here that last year 80 picnic groups that comprised students from school and colleges were introduced to the concept of eco-friendly picnic.
The picnic groups are taken on a guided tour to Maguri Motapung Beel for watching migratory as well as local birds, taken for a river cruise, shown the river dolphins at the Dolphin Point and the spectacular sunset of Dibru Saikhowa.
What the picnic groups learn apart from establishing camaraderie with nature is about local customs and beliefs.
“The picnic groups get a session on the local customs and beliefs so that in no way they hurt the feelings of the local populace,” said Niranta.
