Katlamara (West Tripura),Sept 27: On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Bash Gram, a remarkable bamboo-based eco-resort located just over 35 kilometers from Agartala in bordering Katmara village, has been honored with a bronze award at the celebration held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This accolade follows its recognition as the Best Tourism Village of India by the Ministry of Tourism, government of India.
Not too long ago, this region was plagued by militant activities, causing many to flee, particularly after the tragic Panchabati massacre in 1999, during which 18 individuals lost their lives in a night of indiscriminate firing by the banned ATTF. However, today, Tripura stands as one of the fastest-growing states in the region, benefiting from an era of peace.
Banh Gram serves as a shining example of how peace can yield dividends for those with the vision to progress. The credit for this popular destination goes to one individual: Manna Ray, who transformed the area into a breathtaking ecotourism destination by harnessing the local resource, bamboo.
Manna himself is a victim of insurgency, having lost his uncle to militants and left his ancestral home. Nevertheless, his determination to create something unique that harmonizes with nature and provides sustainable livelihoods for the local population led to the development of Bansh Gram, also known as the Bamboo Village.
Over three years, Manna materialized his vision, and today, bamboo is omnipresent in Bash Gram. Bamboo is used for constructing huts, chairs, tables, bridges, ramps, seesaws, and even a bamboo based handicraft workshop inside the complex. A showroom showcases these bamboo-based products, creating employment opportunities for local villagers through value addition to locally available raw materials. Moreover, bamboo thickets adorn the area, further enhancing its charm.
Bash Gram is committed to promoting sustainable practices, including resource utilization, emissions reduction, and waste reduction.
Tourists flock to this unique destination, seeking solace amidst the bamboo. Visitors appreciate the area’s proximity to nature, free from the hustle and bustle of the city, and its serene ambiance, which provides a rejuvenating experience.
The resort’s popularity soared as visitors shared photos and videos on social media, further enhancing its fame. Not only residents of Tripura but also visitors from various parts of the country and beyond have found joy in Bash Gram.
As tourism continues to flourish, the local community benefits greatly by gaining both direct and indirect employment opportunities. Approximately 100 local villagers have found employment thanks to Bash Gram’s rise in popularity. On weekdays, the resort attracts between 250 to 300 visitors, with even larger crowds on weekends.
Bash Gram stands as a testament to rural tourism, showcasing exquisite bamboo-based handicrafts and the region’s natural beauty while preserving and promoting community-based values, goods, and lifestyles in Tripura. It embodies a commitment to sustainability in all aspects — economic, social, and environmental.
Bash Gram’s mission is to make tourism a catalyst for positive change, rural development, and community well-being, exemplifying the potential for harmonizing nature and tourism for the benefit of all.
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