The initiative to attract tourists from India and abroad was formalized through the scheme “Promotion and Development of Tea Tourism Infrastructure in Assam.” There is a large scope for tea tourism which still needs to be fully developed in this region. This is because of the evergreen heritage bungalows, culture, and tea garden traditions of Assam.
This scheme aims to develop 50 selected tea gardens as tourism destinations using a Mission Mode approach. It will improve tourism infrastructure, promote Assam’s tea culture with job opportunities aimed at boosting the economy of the rural part of Assam.
Key Features of the Scheme
The scheme focuses on providing a holistic experience to tourists, including:
- Heritage bungalows furnished with modern conveniences.
- Activities, such as trekking, tea plucking, tea-tasting sessions, and factory visits.
- The establishment of recreational facilities like dining halls, golf courses, and yoga centres.
- Promotion of local traditions, food, dress, and handicraft.
Proposed Activities Under the Scheme
The scheme includes various infrastructure and facility upgrades, such as:
- Renovation of heritage bungalows and guest houses.
- Development of cafeterias, swimming pools, and spas.
- Creation of recreational facilities like angling, boating, and yoga centers.
- Installation of solar lights and improvement of landscaping with water fountains.
- Development of tea-tasting facilities and nature trails.
- Construction of golf courses and other amenities for tourists.
- Engagement of local youth in tea tourism activities.
Financial Assistance
The scheme follows a 50:50 cost-sharing model:
- Government’s Share: Up to ₹2 Crore per tea garden.
- Beneficiary’s Share: Equal contribution by the tea garden owner or company.
Fund Release Process
The funds will be disbursed in three installments:
- First Installment (20%): Released when a status report shows 30% project completion.
- Second Installment (40%): Released after 70% project completion, depending on success report.
- Third Installment (40%): Released after 100% project completion including photos, geo-tagging, and an engineer-certified progress report.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Upgraded Tourist Infrastructure: Enhances the existing facilities in tea gardens to attract global tourists.
- Promotion of Tea Culture: Encourages tea companies to promote the unique heritage of Assam’s tea estates.
- Boosts Rural Economy: Creates employment opportunities for local communities.
- Global Recognition: Showcases the cultural and socio-economic heritage of Assam’s tea tribes.
- Enhanced Recreational Facilities: Promotes activities like tea plucking, nature walks, trekking, rafting, and golf.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scheme, tea gardens must meet the following criteria:
- Ownership: Open to private tea garden companies and leaseholders with a minimum lease period of 15 years.
- Heritage Value: Priority given to iconic or heritage tea gardens.
- Size: Tea gardens must be at least 50 hectares in size (25 hectares for hill districts).
- Free of Disputes: Gardens must be free from encroachments, disputes, and industrial pollution.
- Proximity to Attractions: Preference given to gardens near wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, or tourist circuits.
- Existing Infrastructure: Gardens with existing bungalows, golf courses, or tourist facilities will be preferred.
Application Process
The application process is offline and includes the following steps:
- Advertisement: Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ATDC) will advertise the scheme through newspapers and electronic media.
- Application Submission: Eligible applicants must submit the prescribed form with all required documents to the Managing Director, ATDC, Guwahati.
- Presentation: Applicants must present a proposal detailing the infrastructure to be developed and estimated costs.
- Scrutiny: Applications are scrutinized by the State Level Committee (SLC).
- Site Inspection: Physical inspections are conducted by ATDC engineers.
- Approval: The SLC approves the list of eligible tea gardens.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Identity Proof: Voter ID, PAN, and Aadhaar card.
- Land Documents: Certified copies of deeds, lease agreements, or land documents.
- NOC: No Objection Certificate from the Circle Officer or District Collector.
- Project Proposal: A detailed proposal highlighting the work to be undertaken.
- Photographs: Pre- and post-development photographs of the site.
- Financial Documents: Balance sheets for the last five years and a financial soundness certificate.
- Demand Draft: Non-refundable fee of ₹5,000 in favor of Managing Director, ATDC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the main purpose of the scheme?
To promote tea tourism in Assam by developing infrastructure in tea gardens and boosting the rural economy. - Who can apply for the scheme?
Private tea garden owners, companies, and leaseholders with valid documentation can apply. - What is the financial assistance provided?
Up to ₹2 Crore per tea garden, with a 50:50 cost-sharing model. - Upon project completion and approval, funds will be distributed in three payments.
Scheme activities?
The plan includes tea picking, tasting, nature hikes, hiking, golfing, and more. - What papers are needed for application?
Identity proof, land documents, NOC, project proposals, and financial documents, among others.