Sikkim flash flood drowns adventure tourism in Bengal's Kalimpong district

 Adventure activities like camping on the riverside and rafting in the river were major tourist attractions

The camping and rafting site at Triveni near Teesta Bazar before the October 4 flood: The Telegraph

Bireswar Banerjee,  TT, Siliguri, 20.10.23 : The Sikkim flash flood on October 4 has hit adventure tourism in Bengal's Kalimpong district and left at least 500 people jobless on the Teesta's banks before Durga Puja.

Adventure activities like camping on the riverside and rafting in the river were major tourist attractions.

The campsite at Triveni — the confluence of the Teesta and Rangeet rivers — has been completely washed away.

Along with tents, the number of which cannot be estimated so far, 29 makeshift stalls with utilities such as eateries and toilets were washed away.

The flood also washed away at least 30 rafts and some SUVs which transported the rafts by road. “A raft costs around Rs 2 lakh,” said a source.

Ashish Thapa, the president of Triveni Camping Welfare Association, said the campsite was popular, especially among the youth, who liked to spend a night in tents on the banks of the Teesta and Rangeet.

“Around 35 groups used to organise camping on the beds of both rivers at Triveni. From September to April, people would swarm at the site to spend the night in tents. But after the disaster, the site is underwater. The road to the site from Teesta Bazar is damaged. We don’t know if the site can be restored. At least 500 people were associated with adventure tourism here,” said Thapa.

The 7km rafting route through the Teesta, from Melli to Teesta Bazar, was also in great demand.

Every day, the ride on a raft would start at 9.30am and continue till 3pm. Each raft would carry six persons, a guide and a helper.

"The ticket counter from where people would book the raft ride is also underwater,” Thapa added.

“We haven't estimated our losses. We could only prepare a list of damaged and lost items and submit it to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration and district administration,” said a member.

A GTA source said its chief Anit Thapa had toured flood-hit areas and would address these concerns in due course.

Courtesy & source- The Telegraph

https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/sikkim-flash-flood-drowns-adventure-tourism-in-bengals-kalimpong-district/cid/1974463