Tripura launches eco-tourism initiatives in Chabimura and Amarpur, aiming to attract global tourists with improved infrastructure and heritage preservation.
The soft rustle of leaves and the hum of the river echoed through the dense green hills of Chabimura, as if nature itself were preparing for a grand announcement. The air buzzed with quiet anticipation, not just from the trees and water, but from the hearts of the people who called this corner of Tripura home.
Nestled along the banks of the Gomati River, Chabimura—famous for its ancient rock carvings and scenic beauty—had long been a place of wonder for those who ventured into its forested folds. The giant rock sculptures of deities, etched meticulously on the steep hill face, watched over the valley like silent sentinels of time. But now, after years of lying on the fringes of India’s bustling tourism circuits, Chabimura was ready to step into the spotlight.
On May 6th, a Tuesday morning, the valley would see something it hadn’t witnessed in decades—a promise of transformation. The state’s Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, was scheduled to arrive to lay the foundation stones of several ambitious tourism infrastructure projects, worth a combined Rs. 67 crore. Backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this initiative was expected to reshape the future of not just Chabimura, but also the nearby lakes of Fatik Sagar and Amar Sagar in the Amarpur sub-division under the Gomati district.
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In the days leading up to the ceremony, the usually quiet village of Chandibari—where the event would take place—saw an unusual flurry of activity. Tents were raised on the open ground, lights were strung between poles, and workers moved with swift precision, rehearsing every step of the upcoming event. Gomati’s District Magistrate, Tarit Kanti Chakma, arrived on Sunday to inspect the arrangements. He moved from tent to tent, ground to stage, speaking to coordinators, ensuring that every detail was in place. The pride in his eyes betrayed the seriousness of the mission—this wasn’t just another event; it was a turning point for the region.
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Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, too, was set to attend, along with an assembly of dignitaries and officials whose presence underscored the significance of the occasion. For them, the moment was more than ceremonial. It was symbolic—a collective commitment to bring Chabimura out of the shadows and into the consciousness of travelers from across the world.
Behind this large-scale vision stood the Tripura Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (TTDCL), the nodal agency tasked with the challenge of translating dreams into tangible experiences. Their blueprint was ambitious yet rooted in respect for the region’s ecology and culture. Plans included the creation of eco-friendly lodging, improved pathways to the carvings, a modern interpretation center to educate tourists about Chabimura’s history, and better transport connectivity with the rest of the state.
But perhaps the most profound change was unfolding quietly in the hearts of the locals. For generations, the people of Amarpur and its surrounding villages had watched visitors come and go in small numbers, their potential untapped and their stories half-heard. Now, as they watched stages rise and signboards being painted, they felt something stir—a sense of possibility.
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Young men and women discussed opening home-stays. Local artisans polished their craftwork with renewed purpose. Elders spoke of their youth, when tales of the carvings and sacred waters were passed down like heirlooms. It was as if the land itself, long content in its quiet wisdom, had decided it was time to share its song.
As dawn approached on the day of the ceremony, the first rays of sunlight hit the carvings on the hills. The face of Goddess Durga, etched centuries ago into the rocky cliffs, seemed to glow with a soft warmth, blessing the new beginning.
In the hush before the Chief Minister’s convoy arrived, a child ran barefoot across the grass at Chandibari ground, his laughter echoing through the valley. Change was coming to Chabimura—not as an upheaval, but as a celebration. And the whole forest seemed to smile.
