From the Editor’s Desk

Tourism At Pong Dam 

Arrival of migratory birds at Pong reservoir is a boost to tourism sector but we undermine the big opportunity available during this period of the year. Last year many extraordinary species were spotted when over one lakh birds arrived at this site. Arrival of new birds this year is also opening new vistas of tourism but such possibilities remain unexplored due to lack of policies. It appears that migratory birds return to their native land after spending good times here while entertaining visitors. We bear the tag of environment friendly by registering figures of migratory birds in files only. Arrival of migratory birds in Pong Lake should be construed as a tradition emerging due to geological changes. It should not be left to the scientists and environmentalists to visualise this arrival from their angle only. But we don’t have any programme to tap tourism possibilities associated with this annual event. Bird lovers and organisations come and collect information according to their suitability. Pong Dam has a long history of pain suffered by oustees who were displaced and their land was submerged under water.  The area providing shelter to migratory birds for few months has lagged behind in the pace of development. Why not the possibilities for a community eco-tourism linked with Pong Lake were explored until now? There is politicking over tourism possibilities but no infrastructure was created for tourists.  Pollution free environment, dense forests and plenty of food attracts lakhs of birds from areas located thousands of miles away. Why can’t we welcome them by promoting tourism sector in the area by providing patronage to migratory birds on the pattern of Kota Bird Fair in Rajasthan? Similar opportunity is available at Pong not only during migration of birds but throughout the year. Will tourists be able to see the history and aspects that attract migratory birds from thousands of miles?

Thought of the Week

Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose. 

  -Lyndon B. Johnson

 

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