Dima Hasao, Assam, aims to become India’s cleanest district to attract more tourists
Dima hasao in Assam, often called the Switzerland of the Northeast, is now looking to capitalise its natural beauty to draw tourists and become India’s cleanest district.
Dima hasao, the only hill station in Assam with its headquarters at Haflong was once known for its dreaded militancy. It is now on the way to place itself as one of the peaceful tourist destinations in the region. In an effort to boost tourism in Dima Hasao, the governing council unveiled a draft tourism policy on World Tourism Day. The policy aims to create five different travel circuits for visitors.
Hen Samuel Changsan, the chief executive member of NCHAC said that the lack of proper tourism infrastructure and past unrest had hampered the region. This policy reflects the desires of Dima Hasao’s people, particularly those in rural areas, for tourism development beyond basic necessities. The district, with a significant number of unemployed youths, is recognizing the potential of its natural resources for economic growth.
He also said that they have streamlined their tourism policy in order to achieve their goal and is currently in draft form pending council approval. They are planning to establish their own mini-tourism circuits and also connect with the larger Assam tourism network.
He further said that they used to lag behind in basic infrastructure like roads, water, and telecommunications. However, these areas have improved significantly in recent years. He also highlighted the progress in the education sector, with the literacy rate increasing annually. Students from Dima Hasao are consistently performing well in Assam’s Class 10 board exams. Having a well-educated workforce is essential for the growth of the tourism sector, he added.
Zed Nunisa, tourism advisor further talked about the Dima Hasao. He said that the vision of the council is to develop the sector as a complete plastic free zone and make the district clean and green. He also said that the clean district will attract the visitors and are trying to make the entire Dima Hasao as the cleanest district in India. He also beliefs that government, organisations and stake holders would support them and further said that NCHAC is currently planning to make five tourism circuits which include adventure, agriculture, eco and rural, festival and culture. He added that they have transformed Umrangso into a destination wedding spot with a golf course.
NCHAC member Monjit Naiding, in charge of tourism, explained that the draft policy focuses on improving the quality of home stays, lodges, and hotels. He said that they aim to set and uphold certain standards for these accommodations in Dima Hasao, ensuring that tourists enjoy a comfortable stay in their district.
Until 2014, tourists preferred the century-old meter-gauge rail, which passed through the picturesque Dima Hasao, zigzagging through tunnels and crossing vintage bridges over hilly rivers. After, the launch of Vistadome Tourist Special Train Services between Guwahati and Haflong in August 2021, tourism in the district has received a significant boost.
Haflong, chosen by the Britishers for settlement for its excellent weather and scenic beauty, featured colonial-style decorations, well-planned infrastructure, tree plantations, roads, residential houses, golf courses, motels, schools, playgrounds, and parks. The world-famous Jatinga, just nine kilometers from Haflong, attracts ornithologists, environmentalists, biologists, scientists, and tourists worldwide due to a unique bird phenomenon occurring between September and November.
Other places in Dima Hasao, such as Hajong Lake, Laisong, Maibang, and Umrangso, offer opportunities for mountaineering, trekking, rafting, water sports, and eco-tourism. The entire district serves as a hub for botanical and zoological studies and educational purposes.
