SIT Journal of Management

SIT Journal of Management Vol: 5; Issue: 1, pp-118-150

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Exploring possibility of Rural Tourism-A Study on Khuklum Forest Village of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

Analjyoti Basu* Abstract: Rural Tourism is a kaleidoscope of rural life, art, culture and heritage on the specific location benefiting

interaction between local community and tourists. All most all Indian states have embraced the concept

of Rural Tourism. Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand are the states to place special initiatives to

develop Rural Tourism. In West Bengal first initiative by state government was taken in Ballavpur Danga

near Santiniketan (Source-Focus Tourism West Bengal- Vol 1 No 14, January-February 2010) though local

initiatives were taken in different places of Darjeeling Hills and Dooars region. This paper studies the

possibility and potentiality of Khuklum Forest Village located in Jalpaiguri District as a destination of

Rural Tourism in Dooars Region as well as in West Bengal. For the purpose few methodological steps

were taken in terms of – project planning, pilot survey, questionnaire formation and interview, data

analysis and suggestion. Taking the possibility of sustainable development the study focuses on different

pros and cons on projecting Khuklunm as possible destination of Rural Tourism.

Keywords: Rural Tourism, sustainable development, exploratory study *Corresponding Author: Analjyoti Basu * Analjyoti Basu; Student, Doctoral Program; Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India

(EDI); Gandhinaga; Gujarat; M: +91-8238976474; email: [email protected].


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Introduction "Indians have forgotten their roots. Developing villages and farms into tourist spots would give

them a chance to revisit their culture. The foreigners too will get to know about the real India

where the majority lives," said SK Misra, Chairman of Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and

Development. (source- http://post.jagran.com/ 7th September 2013).Taking the words from SK

Misra it could be said that rural tourism is the newest offshoot of tourism and has grown as

potential business in its own space. Rural tourism is the form of nature based tourism which

brought village culture, heritage and history under the single umbrella. This is further glittered

by the concepts of brotherhood, mixing of different people from different culture, people,

religion, ethnicity and different countries in the small and simple boundary that is a village. Also

the scope of business development, entrepreneurship development for village youths,

generating new direction of income and development of overall village economy couldn’t be

denied in terms of rural tourism. It could be considered as bi-product of ‘Rural Development’

and ‘sustainable development’. This sustainable development in tourism helps to minimize

environmental and cultural damage through different constructive initiative. This in its turn

benefits by maximizing long-term economic growth for the rural region where indigenous

efforts are on to strike a balance between growth potential of tourism and conservation needs

of the environment are operational (source- Krippendorf et al., 1988; English Tourist Board,

1991; Hawkes & Williams, 1993; Bramwell & Lane, 1993).Sensing its immense potential and

inherent opportunity Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) advocated for boosting Indian

economy by pushing up Rural Tourism (Source- post.jagran.com on 7th September,

2013).Further restructuring of Global Economy for the last 30 years has shifted different


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definitions of income routes in different sectors. Tourism sector another name of leisure and

enjoyment also got the touch of these changes where tourism of different forms emerged to

add extra dimensions. Rural tourism is one of the emerging forms of these dimensions of

Tourism sector. The development of tourism in a rural area is not simply a matter of matching

tourist demands with local product supply but a matter of evaluating local suitability and

acceptability. (Gopal, Varma, Gopinathan, May 2008).

Present paper studies the possibility of Khuklum Forest Village located in

Jalpaiguri District as a destination of Rural Tourism in Dooars Region of West Bengal. About

Khuklum, it is located one kilometer from Khutimari-Gosairhat Eco-Park and populated by

Rabha Tribals mainly of Christian community. Eco-Park of Khottimari-Gosairhat has presented

Khuklung as an adjacent location to a picnic spot and weekender time spending destination.

Addition of Rural Tourism has a possibility to reward Khottimari with indigenous sustainable

development in terms of tourism.

Review of Literature

Rural Tourism is always considered to be a novel concept in the field of hospitality and tourism.

It places special focus upon participation in rural life style and also serves as a part of wider

trends of culture and Eco tourism. Scholars, authors, researchers and academicians throughout

the globe also didn’t isolate themselves from the concept. Rural tourism is being studied from

different dimensions. Beauty of Semnan province and potentiality of the province to come us as

a destination for Rural Tourism has been discussed by Egbali, Nosrat and Pour (September,

2010 ).According to them minor part of tourism includes rural tourism but it plays an important

role in the economy of rural areas of developed countries. The point of integrated approach in

rural tourism development was put up by Eruera (2008) where he tried to integrate tourism

policy with community involvement in decision making while taking up rural tourism

development in Eastern Hokinga situated far North region of New Zealand. Here he also

emphasized on tourism association with the local business. Taking the case study of rural


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tourism development strategy in northern England Bernard Lane (August, 2005) examined that

how principles can be translated to practice by the writing and implementation of regional

sustainable tourism strategies. Here Bernard also offered guidelines for future practitioners.

Advocating for government initiative for private participation in rural tourism Halder (April,

2007) emphasized on impact of rural tourism in India. She also asserted that rural tourism can

help in shaping our society. While taking up the case of Tipam Phakey village of Naharkatia

studded with great diversity of culture, tradition and natural resources Nitashree (2012) said

that rural tourism tourism has created tremendous impact on the local economy and socio-

cultural scenario of the concern area on one hand and carries a potential scope for the rural

residents on the other hand. Gopal, Varma and Gopinathan (May 2008) put up their view on

rural tourism as- Rural tourism development in areas not traditionally considered tourism

destinations per se occurs incrementally; either as a result of entrepreneurs developing

businesses that attract visitors or as a result of visitors discovering the area and thereby

generating a demand for tourism related activities to which local entrepreneurs respond. The

development of tourism in a rural area is not simply a matter of matching tourist demands with

local product supply but a matter of evaluating local suitability and acceptability.

Objectives of Study

The main objectives taken up in the study are-

1. To find out different possibilities of developing Khuklum forest village, Jalpaiguri as

potential destination for rural tourism.

2. To study how the factors like village’s present socio-economic condition, scenic beauty

and existing tourism infrastructure could be helpful in developing Khuklum as rural

tourism destination.

Method followed for study


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First the study was planned by going through relevant journals, magazines and relevant

websites to form idea about rural tourism. It was followed by Pilot Survey to get some idea

about the socio-economic condition followed by formation of questionnaire. Data analysis was

carried out after questionnaire formation and interview. On basis of information(s) gathered

and finding analogy with the present case suggestions were developed.

Overview of Khuklum Forest Village

Oraon, Munda, Santal, Lodha, Mech, Mahali, kora, Rabha, Toto are main tribal communities in

Jalpaiguri district having a population of 51,15,11,7,3.7,3.7,1.57 and 1.16 approximately (Sarkar,

Bipul Chandra, 2010). Cooch Behar apart from Jalpaiguri is the residing place for the Rabha in

West Bengal. .Chilapata, Mendabari, Khuklum, Tufangang, Barivisha, Shiltong are the six zones

in West Bengal under the total Rabha Areas.The Khuklum zone is again divided into seven

villages. These villages are – Gosaihat Forest Village, Khuklum Forest Village, Mela Forest

Village, Mongolhata Forest Village, Deokhaon Basti, Khoirbari Forest Village and Dhumchi

Forest Village (Source-Rabha Development Council). Khuklum Forest Village is the present

focused village for Rural Tourism. In Khuklum Forest Village 98 % of the population belongs to

Rabha Tribes and in that Rabha population 99% have embraced Christianity as their religion

(Source- Rabha Development Council).

Dhupguri is a place in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. If preceded from side of Dhupguri

Bus-stand Deokimari comes first followed by Khottimari, Khuklum and Duramari. Deokimari is

populated by Bengali community and Rajbangsi tribes. Madhesia tribe (in local language) is

inhabitant of Khottimari part. Rabha are main inhabitants of Khuklum Forest Village. Duramari

area situated within the forest starts at the end of Khuklum Forest village. In this areas Forest

Department (Govt representative) operates with different developmental scheme like 100 days

work and Own House scheme (Amar Bari in local language).

Way to Khuklum Forest Village


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More description of the village mainly the fantastic scenic beauty of adjacent Eco-park, the

inhabitants of the village and the brief over-view of the socio-economic conditions of the

inhabitants are placed under the following sub-parts-

a. Scenic Beauty of Khuklung Forest village.

b. Small overview of the Rabha Tribals.

c. Socio-Economic Condition of the residents of Khuklung Forest village.


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a. Scenic Beauty of Khuklung Forest village:

Speaking about the village’s scenic beauty it is blessed by acres of lash green agricultural fields,

forest and Nonai River flowing within a distance of half kilometers from the village. It brought

river, agricultural field and forest beauty under same frame. Extra dimension is added with this

beauty by Eco-Park of Khottimari-Gosairhat. Eco-Park of Khottimari-Gosairhat is located 1 km

from Khuklung Forest village which has presented Khuklung as an adjacent location to a picnic

spot and weekender time spending destination. The Eco-park is having spectacular scenic view

where the river Nonai (before flowing through lash green fields of Khottimari and Khuklung)

flows through the forest. The Eco-park along with scenic beauty has the facility of fishing, boat

riding and watch-tower. The forest has different wild animals like elephant, monkey, wild boar,

peacock, deer and different wild birds. But main problem here is night stay. Only one-two

Forest Department Bungalow is available and booking process of rooms here is quite

cumbersome in nature. In this situation building up Khuklung Forest Village (one kilometer from

the Eco-Park of Khottimari-Gosairhat) as a location of Village Tourism might not be a hard task.


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b. Overview of the Rabha Tribe

This section puts up a brief discussion regarding main inhabitant of Khuklung Forest Village the

Rabhas’ (As already discussed In Khuklum Forest Village 98 % of the population belongs to

Rabha Tribes and in that Rabha population 99% belongs to Christian religion (Source-Rabha

Development Council)). Having similarity with Garos, Kachari, Mech, Koch, Hajong and Bodos

Rabha belong to the Indo Mongoloid group of people. Though some of the Rabha of Dooars

declares them as Kocha most of the Rabha of Dooars refers to them as Rabha. The Rabha

aspects of socio-religious life have similarities with Pani-Koch (According to Dr. Francis

Buchanan-Hamilton).Also there is an argument that Rabha and the Hajongs are the branches of

Kachari race and connected with the Garo (E. Dalton). Bengali and Assamese are the two main

dialects spoken by Rabha of West Bengal and Assam. To a great extent the original Rabha

dialect is retained by the Rabhas living in the forest village. The Rabha dialect belongs

to Bodo group of languages of Assam-Burmese branch (George Abraham Grierson).

.

c. Socio-Economic Condition of the residents of Khuklung Forest village.

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pani-Koch&action=edit&redlink=1


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Survey was carried out in Khuklung Forest village to get the glimpse of socio-economic

condition of the village. If at all the village is ready for Rural tourism, how much infrastructure

development is needed for the village or to what extent extra economic boost is needed (it may

be in form of Rural Tourism) to revive the village condition-these question(s) are linked with

socio-economic condition survey of the village. The main outcomes of the survey were-

i. Most of the roofs (85.7%) of the household are built by corrugated tin. While villagers

mostly (45.7%) use Bamboo-straw to build their walls. Wood is the most used material to build

the floor.

ii. For household and drinking purpose water from wells (42.9%) and Hand Pumps (57.1%)

are being used.

iii. Sanitation facility is not developed in the village as only 28.6% villagers have access

towards latrine of septic tank and 60% do not have any access to sanitation facility.

iv. The striking feature of this village is that all the families have the facilities of electricity.

For 94 families of the village there are 16 Electric Meters available.(Source-Rabha Development

Council)

v. Household possessions include cycle, television, radio, motor cycle, mobile phone,

bench, wooden bed, sewing machine, handloom machine.

vi. A large population or 85.7 %( i.e-45.7 + 40) is earning between 2000-6000 Rs per month.

It’s quite less mainly if the soaring prices of commodities are taken into consideration.


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vii. Main source of income is selling of agricultural products like Paddy, Jute, Mustard,

Wheat, Areca-nut (supari) and different seasonal vegetables. Apart from that people also earn

from selling Pigs, Hens, Goats and fishes from local river (Nonai) and ponds.

viii. The tourists coming at season times for nature enjoyment (mainly at winter season) is

another important source of income.

ix. People also have income from 100 days of work. Almost all the families have the 100

days job-card.

x. Most of the households have expenditure range from 2000-4000(i.e. 80% or 34.3% +

45.7%).Very less percentage of 8.6 % have expenditure less than 2000.

xi. Most of the families have rationing expenditure/month either less than 300 or greater

than 400.

xii. Most of the families have marketing expenditure 1000-2000 Rs /month.

xiii. 25.8% of the villagers are saying that they don’t have any deficit for food. While 37.1

percentage said that they have deficit but for a small part of the year (for two to four months at

the maximum).

xiv. The villagers mostly secure their food mainly from their fields and have their own

cottage industry where the females sew their own clothes and that is the main reason why

after having low income range most of the families is quite able to save an amount ranging

from 500- 2000(94.3%).

xv. 43.9% above 18 years members and 55.6% below 18 years members are educated.

xvi. Majority villagers (65.7%) said that there is no such political and social problem.

Other important informations that came from survey

i. Forest Department has started a project named as “AAMAR BARI” or “MY HOUSE”

under which cemented concrete houses are given to the villagers.


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ii. For supply of drinking water “Rabha Development Council” along with “Gram Unnoyon

Committee” (A subcommittee of Gram Panchayat) started a Drinking water supply scheme in

which every 2 or 3 families (on the basis of family members) gets a Hand Pump. At present 60%

families are benefitted by this scheme.

iii. The ASHA1 workers ensure the supply of Bleaching Powder to the villagers to use in their

wells and in the drinking water.

iv. AMAR BARI PROKOLPO (as already mentioned) has started the drive to provide latrine

with Septic Tank to the villagers and the scheme is expected to take shape within 2014.

Analysis of Socio-Economic conditions for supporting Rural Tourism

In the previous section the results of socio-economic conditions of the forest village was

discussed on the basis of the survey carried out. Apart from that other relevant information(s)

which may be useful for Rural Tourism study were also put up. Focusing to different aspects of

Khuklung Forest Village which may come as a support to readiness to Rural Tourism is as

follows-

i. In terms of housing facility though almost all the houses are built by corrugated tin,

bamboo-straw and woods Forest Department has taken special initiative to build cemented

house for the villagers. So, housing which is the primary concern for Rural-Tourism could be

bolted.

ii. Though sanitation facility is the matter of concern for the village at present still by the

help of Amar Bari Prokolpo (My House Project) the Forest Department is ready to get rid of the

problem by 2014.So sanitation problem should not come as barrier for Rural Tourism in coming

days.

1 1. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are community health workers instituted by the Government of

India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) as part of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). 1


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iii. ASHA, Rabha Development Council, Forest Department and “Gram Unnoyon

Committee” together are taking the matter of drinking water and so drinking water problem

should not pose threat for tourism.

iv. Electricity condition and no such political disturbance can again come as boost for

tourism development.

v. The village has their own food from agricultural products, products from livestock and

fishes from river. Apart from that 25.8% said that they have no food deficit. Now if rural

tourism introduced than already available food items may come as support to the villagers for

supplying different sorts of food materials to the tourists.

vi. Sizeable population of the village are educated which is a good support for introducing

rural tourism and at the same time if introduced rural Tourism can push up the employment

among the youths of the village.

vii. Living aside some small differences between ASHA, Rabha Development Council, Forest

Department and “Gram Unnoyon Committee” (A subcommittee of Gram Panchayat) are

working together for different projects of the village and it is a positive sign for the

development if rural tourism introduced.

viii. A large population is earning between 2000-6000 Rs. As a result villagers spending

propensity as well as saving potential is also less. It is quite unhealthy figure if day by day

soaring prices are concerned. As per Times of India food prices saw 157% rise between 2004

and 2013(20th September, 2013, Times Of India).In these condition some extra income is

becoming mandatory. Opening of Rural Tourism opportunity could be that mandatory option

for the village development.

Different items could be included in Rural Tourism

This section discusses about different suggestive plans for Rural Tourism. These plans may

come as package for different sections for the society.


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i. Riverside Cafeteria- First idea in the menu of Rural Tourism, keeping in mind the

geographic and scenic beauty of this place would be Riverside Cafeteria. Spaces at the bank of

the river could be stipulated to taste the nature along with coffee/tea, cold drinks, snacks or

fast foods. Some popular novels, magazines, books on spiritualism, daily news paper may also

find their places to give the visitors a “combo-offer” of “get foodie while you study”. On other

hand, the combo offer may be charged as per food stuffs or reading stuffs offered by the

tourists. For the reading material(s) cards may be introduced. The cards will be issued when the

tourists hire the book and return it while they leave.

ii. Riverside and forest Camps and Tents – Various tourists are there who loves adventure.

This may include spending the night at the vicinity of the river or in the forest. For them camps

or tents by the riverside or in the forest will be good idea. Not only staying in night same may

be used for party, night picnic or as a part of bonfire. The camps/tents may be rented on hourly

basis.

iii. Photo and Painting spots - Khuklum Forest village and adjacent Khutimari-Gosairhat Eco-

Park are all studded with spots of scenic beauty. These picturesque places always pull

photographers and artists. Finding the appropriate place and providing it to as per need and

demand to fitting person could provide important business opportunity to local entrepreneurs.

iv. Use of tree tops- Staring from Deokimari and till Duramari there are several Tree-Top

Towers used by Forest department to keep a strong vigil on the wild animal movement in the

area. Same type of tree tops could be used by nature, fun and adventure lovers. This options

could be used for one or two persons to stay and on the other hand for the entrepreneurs who

could chalk out a good business out of it.


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.

TREE TOP WATCH TOWER (Taken from” Study of Rabha Tribal People and their socio-economic

condition in Khuklum Forest Village, Jalpaiguri with special emphasis on Economic

Development” by Basu, A and co-author Sarkar,R).

v.Health Camp- As surrounded by forests, river and agricultural fields the area has plenty of

fresh air and health enhancing stuffs. In this fresh environment everybody will try to brush up

their health in the touch of calm and freshness of the morning. So the riverside or places inside

the forests could be well used as Exercise camps, Yoga camps or Health Camps. Local youths

trained with different fitness activities can well find their livelihood by running these camps.

vi. River Fishing- As a part of amusement Program River fishing activities may be there by which

the village visiting tourists may participate in paid fishing activities in the rivers. Apart from that

the ponds of the village may be used for fish farming which may be utilized to provide paid

fishing cum enjoyment facilities to the tourists.

Vii.Saplings Plantation- A sapling plantation program may be organized by which each visitor

will plant some saplings and simultaneously nurse them at the time of their visit. It will also

maintain the greenery of the Khottimari and Khuklung area.

Places which could be used as RIVERSIDE PICNIC


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v. Activities for promoting Community and village Culture- There should be arrangements

in the rural tourism menu list by which Rabha culture could be promoted. It could be done in

the following ways(Refer to Figure 1)-

a. Light and Sound Show on Rabha Culture- Light and Sound Shows may be conducted in a

stipulated open place in the village to focus on different sides and history of the Rabha

community.

b. Song and Dance Mix- Mixing Local dance, music and songs with different Indian popular

music and songs to create a different indigenous form and present to the tourists at

their visit.

c. Mixing the melody of indigenous local musical instruments- Mixing the melody of

indigenous local musical instruments in all of the above forms to generate new sort of

feelings within the tourists.

Figure 1


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Different plans and modular discussion to promote rural tourism

In this section the discussion will concentrate upon different plans and models which

may be useful for Rural Tourism development.

i. Target Section for Rural Tourism

The target group for Rural Tourism would be (Refer to Figure-2)-

College/University students (for nature learning and excursion in subjects like

Zoology, Botany, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Music, Dance, Tribal studies,

Entrepreneurial opportunities and Management )

Retired Persons/Senior Citizens

Families for vacations

Artists and photographers(whose subject are nature or tribal community)

Companies offering their employees with holidays with varied tastes.

People needing peace of mind in calm and pleasant environment.

Non-Resident Indian

In these case apart from general schemes and package given to all groups some special

packages and schemes may be offered to specific sections. Like-

a. Special excursion package may be offered to the College/university students which will

encompass – cultural studies, specific location guidance for flora and fauna study, Zoological


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and Botanical study, Geological study, providing datasheet for livestock and agricultural studies,

supporting training camp for Rural business and entrepreneurship, picnic arrangement,

participating in sapling plantation, blood donation camps, participating in activities of village

cottage industries and agricultural activities.

FIGURE 2

b. For the corporate personal special training cum practical workshop on Corporate Social

responsibility could be organized along with rural tourism.

c. For the retired persons and senior citizens special religious knowledge camp could be

organized by the side of the river.

d. For the nature painters specific place of scenic beauty could be arranged by which they can

get food for their thoughts.

ii. Website Development for promotion of rural tourism

Figure 3 gives the elaboration regarding website development which will help to promote

Rural Tourism.

Figure 3

ACTIVITIES

COVERED

PACKAGE FOR

DIFFERENT GROUPS ACCOMODATION

COST

DOS AND DON’TS ON

VISITING DAYS

WEBSITE

DEVELOPMENT


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So the proposed website to support Rural-Tourism should involve the types of accommodation

offered to the guests, the activities in the package offered by the concerned department of

Homestay, the booking procedure to follow, If the booking falls under rush time than status of

the current booking, legal procedures to be followed, the list of all the families those who are

providing Homestay but in these case the visitors will come into contact only when reservation

process is completed, Does and donot’s to follow during home stay , different schemes

available for different groups of people(e.g-corporate personal, elderly people, family in

vacation),idea of total costs(as it may change depending upon circumstances.

DESCRIPTION OF

THE AREA VISITED

LEGALITIES INVOLVED


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iii. Model for Monitoring Group(Model 1)

Model 1 presents the structure for the Monitoring Group that will look after the Rural Tourism.

This model is just not applicable for Khuklung Forest Village but might be useful for all the

villages where the concepts of rural tourism exist.

The Monitoring group consists of four levels. From top to bottom the levels are as follows-

Model1

STATE LEVEL-MONITORING BOARD FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS

DISTRICT

MAGISTRATE

OFFICE

DISTRICT LEVEL- SECONDARY MONITORING BOARD

PRIMARY MONITORING

BOARD

CO-OPERATIVE FEDERATION

FUNDS

HANDLED

MEMBERS OF RAVA DEVELOPMENT

COUNCIL

(2 MALES & 2 FEMALES) MEMBERS FROM GRAM

PANCHAYAT

VILLAGE TOURISM FUNF OF- INITIAL

DEPOSIT

GOVERMENT

NOMINEE

MEMBERS OF

ZILA

PARISHAD

BDO MEMBERS

(2)

MEMBERS OF

NGO (2)

GOVT.

RECOGNISED

COMMUNITY

BASED

ORGANIZATION

MEMBERS FROM

FOREST

DEVELOPMENT

ATUTHORITY (2)

VILLAGE TOURISM FUNF OF- FINAAL

DEPOSIT


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(Extended from Model in Study of Rabha Tribal People and their socio-economic condition in

Khuklum Forest Village, Jalpaiguri with special emphasis on Economic Development by Basu, A

and co-author Sarkar, R).

iv. Administrative Workflow Model for Rural Tourism (MODEL 2)

Model 2 encompasses different aspects of Administrative workflow of Rural Tourism.

Main aspects of the above model for Rural Tourism Administrative Workflow are-

a. Deposit Types

There are three types of deposit (as per the model 2).Where initial deposit is the advance

deposit done by the visitors before visiting the place. Final deposit refers to the balance deposit

by the visitors at the time of visit. Here extra deposit refers to extra amount deposited by the

visitors after final payment. In this case if they want extra facilities than they have actually paid

for or for extra on-spot facilities.

a. Booking Authorities

There will be two booking option. First, it will be directly from the website and the second

through the offices of West Bengal Tourism development Authority. In website there should be

options where the interested persons may create their own logon-id and password and see the

position of different homes available, there prices, accommodation facilities available, different

schemes available and there prices.

b. Rules and Regulations to be followed

In this part knowledge of rules and regulations to be followed regarding rural tourism will be

given. Mainly it will cover rules regarding initial, final and extra deposit, rules and regulations to

be followed during village home-stay and lastly minimum and maximum booking time, different

homes available, there prices, accommodation facilities available, different schemes available

and there prices.

c. Fund distribution from deposit


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This part takes care of distribution of fund coming from rural tourism. Again this part is divided

into three subparts-

i. Initial deposit distribution- Here 25% of the total deposit will go to West Bengal

Government and West Bengal Tourism Development Authority, 15% each will go to Forest

Development Authority and Gram Panchayat. Last 20% will go to Rabha Development Council.

ii. Final deposit distribution- Here 20% of the final deposit will go to Rabha Development

Council while rest will go the accommodating family.

iii. Extra payment distribution – This payment will totally go the accommodating family.

SWOT Analysis in developing Khuklung as a destination for Rural Tourism

Strength

Apart from the points discussed in the previous section (Analysis of Socio-Economic conditions

for supporting Rural Tourism) the following positive points are also coming up.

i. Though small still Khuklung forest village is already within the tourism map in West

Bengal due to Khotimari-Gosairhat Eco-Park. So, building up Khuklum as a destination for Rural

Tourism wouldn’t be a hard task.

ii. When produced the idea of Rural Tourism a thumbing majority of 95% of the villagers

supported the schemes and idea of the same and expressed that it would act as a boost to

develop their financial position.


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ADMINISTRATIVE MODEL

(VILLAGE TOURISM)

1. WEBSITE

2. WESTBENGAL

TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATION

BOOKING

AUTHORITIES

VILLAGE TOURISM

(ADMINISTRATIVE WORKFLOW)

1. INITIAL DEPOSIT

2. FINAL DEPOSIT

3. EXTRA DEPOSIT

(OPTIONAL)

DEPOSIT

(TYPES)

SCHEMES

(TYPE)

1. PACKAGE

2. NORMAL

3. MENU SELECTION RULES & REGULATIONS

TO BE FOLLOWED

1. MINIMUM INITIAL FINAL & EXTRA

DEPOSIT

2. LEGAL FORMALITY SIGNING

3. MINIMUM & MAXIMUM TIME FOR

BOOKING

FUND DISTRIHBUTION

FROM DEPOSIT

FINAL DEPOSIT

DISTRIHBUTION

EXTRA PAYMENT INITIAL DEPOSIT

DISTRIHBUTION

1. 25% WESTBENGAL

GOVERNMENT

2. 25 % WESTBENGAL TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT

3. 15 % FOREST DEVELOPMENT

AUTHORITY

4. 15 % GRAM PANCHAYAT

5. 20 % RAVA DEVELOPMENT

COUNCIL

1. 20 % RAVA

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

2. 80 % ACCOMODITING

FAMILY

1. IF VISITORS NEED

EXTRA FACILITIES THAN

THEY ACTUALLY PAID

FOR.

2. FOR EXTRA ONSPOT

FACILITIES

Model 2

iii. Almost 50% of the villagers are educated which will place special advantage for growth

of tourism.

iv. The local community united by “Rabha Development Council” and government by

“Forest Department” are placing joint endevour for the development of the village. Rural

Tourism would surely boost up the effort.


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v. Overall North Bengal is having charming weather. Also Khuklung Forest village is

surrounded by river and forest which has again dipped down the temperature to a great extent.

This fabulous weather will pose positive vibes within the visitors to visit this place.

vi. Apart from Rural Tourism there are other possibilities like Ecotourism, Education

Tourism and Tribal Tourism which could be well supported by Khuklung Forest village.

vii. Lastly, hypothesis testing has proved that for this village income and expenditure are

highly related and for that there should be ways to increase income.(Refer Annexure 2)

Weakness

All possibilities are having negative points underlying it. This case is not free from it. Main

points of disadvantage would be-

i. Forest Department by their project “Amar Bari” (My House) has fixed the year 2014 by

which houses, sanitation and water facility will be at the door-step of each and every family of

the village. But the fact is that uptill September 2013 only 20%-30% work of this project is

completed. (Source-Rabha Development Council).

ii. Alike all sorts of tourism rural tourism is also a type of money generating business for

the Government. So tourists are hardly checked before entry. So creating nuisance after

consuming liquor, unexpected behavior with local community ladies would be a problem in this

case. It means crime rate may increase.

iii. Due to rural tourism consumption of local resources in terms of agri-product, live-stock

product, horticultural and garden products will increase which on its turn will hamper local

business opportunities because local products will not be send to different locations and

generate important revenue for the village.

iv. Rural tourism will increase garbage in the village, river and also in the forest (as the life-

style of the visitors is uncontrollable).This garbage in its turn will increase pollution in this


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pollution free serene place of Khuklung. This means there may be some negative effect on the

ecology of the village.

v. Entrance of visitors will definitely bring earning option for the villagers but at the same

time entrance of people of varied culture, people with different ethical views and values, life-

style may place negative effect on the mindset of the so-called simple-living inhabitants of the

village, i.e., the Rabha. The entrance may pollute the mentality and life-style of the local

inhabitants. In near future it may pose the threat of identity crisis to the Rabha community.

vi. Medical facility is not well developed in Khuklung. The Primary Health centre is located

six kilometers from the village. The Primary Health centre provides bandage, cold-cough

medicine, Vasectomy injections and tetanus and pulse-polio facility but if faced by serious

problems of health ailment the villagers have to travel miles to Jalpaiguri or Siliguri for better

treatment.

vii. Located about six kilometers from Dhupguri, Jalpaiguri bus stand there is no cemented

roads from Khottimari to Khuklung (almost two kilometers) which will definitely pose problems

in the rainy season.

viii. Entrance of elephants in the village and destroying fields, crops and house is a big

problem which may affect rural tourism.

Opportunity

i. If considered in terms of geographic location than countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and

Bhutan is not far from this location. Also people from adjacent West Bengal, Assam and Bihar

could be influenced to take up the advantage of Rural Tourism.

ii. West Bengal Government has started with the initiative of rural tourism which is not

that old in nature. In this position readymade data regarding new places to start up the work of

rural tourism would be helpful for the government.


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iii. Khuklung Forest village is placed in Dooars region and is adjacent to the Darjeeling hills.

Dooars and Darjeeling hills are already studded in the tourism map of India. So if new initiative

of tourism in the form of Rural Tourism introduced in this region than it will not take much

effort to grab the opportunity.

iv. An adjacent Darjeeling hill at present is facing a political problem which is hampering its

prospect of tourism. In this situation there may be easy polarization of the tourists towards this

new endevour.

Threat

i. Rural Tourism is very new concept in West Bengal. So in terms of providing training to

the villagers regarding Rural Tourism quality will really matter.

ii. Rural tourism in West Bengal is in its nascent stage. States like Kerala, Himachal

Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and even our neighboring state of Sikkim have already gain

mileage in it. In this situation polarizing national and international tourists towards West Bengal

for rural tourism will be difficult and time taking task.

iii. North Bengal (Dooars region and Darjeeling Hills), Sikkim and Bhutan area already

glittered by various tourist location. So bringing tourists in new location may pose problem.

Conclusion

Rural tourism is emerging slowly and gradually in India though it is almost in its nascent stage in

West Bengal. Keeping this information into count and considering the SWOT analysis it is quite

difficult to say that when the colors of rural tourism development will actually form the full

sized rainbow. So though this study projected Khuklung Forest Village as the destination for

Rural Tourism still it’s difficult to predict when actual materializing will be possible by help of

West Bengal Government. In this matter it should be the indigenous effort for long-term

sustainable development in rural tourism. It should be taken by local Rabha Community by


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their organization Rabha Development Council which is a Government registered organization.

Helping hands could be extended by Forest Department and Gram Panchayat. Again it might

not be impossible because in prior to government efforts such sorts of endevour was taken in

different places of Darjeeling hills and Sikkim which are running successfully now. In words of

Rabindranath Tagore it could be spelt out that” Jodi tor dak sune keo na ase tobe ekla chalo re”

or “if nobody is ready to listens to your voice than move alone”.

Acknowledgements

The author Mr. Analjyoti Basu wish to thank Mr. Raj Basu, Convener of Heritage Conservation &

Rural Tourism, Association for Conservation and Tourism(ACT) for providing important ideas for

carrying out the project. The author places his special gratitude towards Chirodeep Roy,

Assistant Manager Marketing, Bank of India for providing necessary support in literary works of

the present study. The author also acknowledges Mr. Ranjan Sarkar, ex-student of Institute of

Management and Entrepreneurship Development (IMED) for carrying out important field work

for the project. Lastly, the author expresses his special gratitude towards Mr. Rabi Rabha, Zonal

Secretary, Rabha Development Council for providing all important information regarding Rabha

tribes during the study.

References

Lane, B. (2010). Sustainable Rural Tourism Strategies: A tool for Development and

Conservetion. International journal of environment and Tourism , August,Volume 1, Number 1

Mili, N. (2012). Rural Tourism Development:An overview of Tourism in the Tipam Phakey Village

of Naharkatia in Dibrugarh District,Assam(India). International Journal of Scientific and Research

Publications , 2 (12), ISSN 2250-3153

Sarkar, B. C. (2011). Geography of Tribal People in Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal.

International Referred Research Journal , II (21), 101-103.


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Gopal,R,Varma,Shilpa, & Gopinathan,Rashmi(2008),Rural Tourism Development :Constraints

and Possibilities with a special reference to Agri Tourism Destination-Malegaon village, Taluka

Baramati, District Pune, Maharashtra. Conference on Tourism in India-Challenges ahead, May.

Basu, A & Sarkar,R (2015), Study of Rabha Tribal People and their socio-economic condition in

Khuklum Forest Village, Jalpaiguri with special emphasis on Economic Development. Tribal

Livelihood :Issues, Approaches & Strategies. Tribal Research & Cultural Institute, Govt. of

Tripura, ISBN 978-81-927167-5-6

Internet Sources:

http://www.sikkimtravels.in/village_tourism.htm

http://isikkim.com/2013-03-village-tourism-sikkim-govt-gives-nod-to-home-stay-funding-04-8/ (

http://www.awakeandshine.org/sikkim-homestay.html

http://www.ijsst.com/issue/457.pdf

http://www.sikkimtourism.gov.in/Webforms/General/VillageTourism/Download/Darap_Cherry_Village.

pdf

http://www.easternpanorama.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23&catid=19

http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in/web/guest/homestays

http://tourism.gov.in/writereaddata/CMSPagePicture/file/marketresearch/Tentavely%20Identified%20c

ircuit%20for%20various%20states/new/WestBengal.pdf

http://www.awakeandshine.org/village-homestay.html

http://monchashablog.wordpress.com/

http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=452573&catid=94

http://www.academia.edu/1882200/


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Annexure1

Questionnaire

Name- Age- Address-

Family Members Details

Family Members Children Adult Total

Male

Female

Total

Special Information_____________________________________________________________

Education Details

Family

Members

Illiterate Below-

Class X

Class X Class XII Graduate Masters

or above

Total

Male(Ad)

Female(Ad)

Male(Ch)

Female(Ch)

Total


Occupation carried out________________

If Agriculture cultivable land

1-4 bighas b. 4-8 bighas c. 8-12 bighas d. More than 12 bighas


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Earning Range of the family ______________________ Rs.

Earning

Members Numbers

Income/Month

Below 5000 5000-10000 10000-15000 15000 and

above

Male(Ad)

Female(Ad)

Male(Ch)

Female(Ch)

Total

Special Information___________________________________________________________

If there is any extra-income facilities available-

Yes b. No

If yes kindly specify ___________________________________________________

Expenditure of the family (approximately per month) ____________.


Different fields of expenditure _________.


Different durable goods carried by you _______________________________________

Approximate Savings of the family ___________.


If invested in any savings scheme.

Yes b. No

If yes kindly specify _____________________________________________

Number of meals took each day _______.

Special Information________________________________________________________


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Approximate Meal cost/month.__________________


Food-consumption status------

Deficit in whole year b. Sometimes Deficit c. Neither Deficit nor surplus d. Surplus


Frequency of Rationing/week

Once b. Twice c. More than twice.

Special Information_____________________________________________________________.

Frequency of Marketing/week

Once b. Twice c. More than twice.


Expenditure (app.)

in single marketing___________.

in single rationing___________.


Whether having the facilities of –

Facilities BPL Card 100 Days

Job Card

Rashtriya

Samavikas

Yojana

General

Saving

Scheme

Other

Yes

No


Materials for house building-

Materials

parts

Tin Cement/Concrete Bamboo-

Straw

Soil Other

Roof


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Wall

Floor


What types of sanitation facilities do you use__________________________________?

Do you get the facility of electricity?

Yes b. No

If yes what mode is followed?

No time limit b. Time limit imposed c. Other scheme

Special Information______________________________________________________

Sources

Water for

Pond/Tank/Lake River/Stream Tube-well Piped

Water

Other

House-hold

Drinking –

Water


Mark the following facilities in 10 point scale (0-2=Very Poor,2-4= Poor, 4-6= Average, 6-8 =

Good , 8-10 =Very good)

Facilit

ies

Educat

ion

Agricult

ure

Food

and

Rati

on

Goods

availabi

lity in

Market

Electri

city

Drinki

ng

Wate

r

Medici

ne &

Hospit

al

Sanitat

ion

Govt

Welfa

re

Sche

mes

points


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What is the influence of Political Parties in your socio-economic life-(in percentage?)

0-20 b.20-40 c. 40-60 d. 60- 80 e. 80- 100

Special Information_____________________________________________________

Are you interested in having Rural-Tourism plan in your village?

Yes b. No

Special Information_____________________________________________________

Annexure 2

Hypothesis

Case 1-

H0- Income and Expenditure are independent.

H1- Income and Expenditure are dependent.

Case 2-

H0- Income and Savings are independent.

H1- Income and Savings are dependent.

Case Criteria

tested

between

Degrees

of

Freedom

Level of

Significance

Calculated

Value(χ2)

Table

Value(χ2)

Inference

1 Income and

Expenditure

16 5% 26.3 16 Income and

Expenditure

are dependent

2 Income and

Savings

16 5% 60.56 16 Income and

Savings are

dependent


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Documents

SIT Journal of Management