River Reshi, a paradise for eco-tourism, is crying for more attention

Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubmaniam T. visited this ecotourism destination on Sunday and collected a report

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, APRIL 30, 2024 :  Tourism is one of the main sources of income of people in the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Currently, the focus of tourism is not only on the town but also in rural areas where homestay is flourishing.

One of these ventures is the Reshi River Ecotourism within the Kalimpong district, where there is a daily rush of tourists. Due to the view of Khangchendzonga from this area, the musical noise of the flowing river Reshi, the beautiful and clean environment, the chirping sound of birds in the green forest, tourists, local and foreigners alike, are very fond of this haven for ecotourism.

In fact, ecotourism surrounding the river Resi has helped Kalimpong to figure on the tourism map of the country and abroad. Though the river Reshi is famous as a tourist attraction, it seems that the river has not been protected and promoted by the government enough.

The road leading to river Reshi is in a dilapidated condition. Owners of eco-tourism resorts in the area say they are managing their businesses on their own, without any concession or facility from the government. Nor has the government created new tourism destinations in the region. 

People have preserved and beautified places of tourist interest of their own accord. Founder of eco-tourism in the hills of Kalimpong and Darjeeling Sebastien Pradhan, who is involved personally with Reshi river ecotourism, says: "In the current tourist season, many tourists are coming to Reshi river ecotourism. Although tourists enjoy the scenic view of tourism here, the protection and integration of this area has not been done as promised by the government. As a result, tourists are facing the problem of some basic facilities like street lights, water, road and electricity.” The widening of the road with two bulldozers for 20 miles from Alagha Bazar Deorali has benefited the common people, students and tourists a lot, he says.

Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubmaniam T. visited this ecotourism destination on Sunday and collected a report. Sebastian Pradhan said that during the visit the District Magistrate gave him many suggestions and also gave positive feedback on Reshi river ecotourism.

Despite the problems, however, tourists have not stopped coming to the Reshi river ecotourism site. With facilities like picnic spots, street lights, and connection of new transformers, the destination will attract more tourists