Plastic Boat Initiative Steers Sustainable Tourism in Assam

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Vikash Gogoi sets sail on the Brahmaputra with a boat made from 3,300 plastic bottles, promoting sustainable tourism in Assam.

In an inspiring demonstration of sustainable travel, a youth from Dibrugarh, Assam, has embarked on an eye-opening voyage along the storied waters of the Brahmaputra River. Riding a boat constructed entirely from discarded plastic water bottles, 38-year-old Vikash Gogoi, along with three friends, aims to raise awareness about the environmental hazards of plastic waste. This sustainable boat trip is set to create international tourism awareness about environmental conservation, showcasing Assam’s commitment to ecofriendly tourism initiatives. The journey includes a stopover at Majuli—the world’s largest river island—and touches upon the iconic Kaziranga National Park, highlighting key Assam tourism attractions.

Setting sail today, June 1st, their 33-foot vessel, ingeniously crafted with 3,300 plastic bottles, has already become a symbol of innovative environmental stewardship. These bottles, once littering the banks of the river and discarded by tourists and locals alike, now serve a,revolutionary purpose.

The journey from Dibrugarh to Guwahati is not just a mere boat ride; it is a profound statement on the power of sustainable practices in tourism. As they navigate downstream, the boat will pass significant landmarks like the Bogibeel bridge, one of India’s top ten longest bridges, and Majuli—the world’s largest river island—enhancing the visibility of their environmental message. The voyage will also touch upon the iconic Kaziranga National Park, another jewel in Assam’s tourism crown, further linking important ecological sites and promoting sustainable tourism.

This remarkable intiative not only supports UN tourism sustainability initiatives but also exemplifies how local actions can contribute to global sustainability goals, promoting a greener future in tourism.

TTW Founder and CEO, Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “This sustainable boat journey by Vikash Gogoi and his team is a fantastic example of how individual efforts can lead to significant environmental impact. Using a boat built from recycled plastic bottles, this effort not only combats plastic pollution but also brings attention to sustainable tourism practices in Assam. It’s inspiring to see such innovation coincide with World Environment Day, highlighting the global importance of sustainability.

Traveling through iconic landmarks of Assam like the majestic Majuli and Kaziranga National Park, this initiative beautifully marries the concepts of environmental consciousness and tourism. It undoubtedly places Assam on the map as a destination committed to ecological preservation and sustainable travel. As someone passionate about both the environment and exploring new cultures, I’m excited about the potential this holds for inspiring similar and unique actions worldwide and promoting sustainable tourism.”

It is particularly symbolic as it coincides with the upcoming World Environment Day on June 5, 2024. Gogoi’s initiative is a potent reminder of the urgent need to address the plastic pollution that plagues our waterways. The United Nations reports that the Meghna-Brahmaputra-Ganges basin alone sends an estimated 72,845 tons of plastic debris to the oceans annually—a staggering figure that underscores the importance of such grassroots initiatives.

As the boat makes its way to Guwahati over a span of 13 days, it not only cleans up the river by collecting floating plastic waste but also engages communities along its route. The enthusiastic cheers from locals witnessing the voyage highlight a growing consciousness about sustainable practices and the role of innovative solutions in combating environmental challenges.

This journey is a testament to the potential of local actions in driving global changes, illustrating how sustainable tourism can serve as a powerful tool for environmental conservation. By turning plastic waste into a vessel for change, Gogoi and his team are charting a course toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for tourism and beyond. The initiative not only showcases Assam’s commitment to eco-friendly travel but also puts the state on the map as a leader in sustainable tourism practices, drawing international attention to the importance of environmental conservation in tourism.

Vikash Gogoi has a history of similar initiatives, having journeyed from Dibrugarh to Majuli in 2021 and Dibrugarh to Dihing Mukh in 2022. He aims to continue his journey from Dibrugarh to Dhubri in the future, consistently promoting the message of environmental preservation and sustainable tourism

• Assam’s Tourism in Turmoil as Cyclone Remal’s Urgent Rampage Claims Three Lives and Injures 17