Homestay boom in Hills: Apprehensions of dilution of heritage looms large

NEED FOR POLICY & METHODOLOGY OVERHAUL

- AMITAVA BANERJEE

DARJEELING: The Gorkha-land Territorial Administration (GTA) area comprising the Darjeeling Hills and the Kalimpong district is experiencing a homestay boom. The Kalimpong district specially has scripted a success story boasting the highest number of homestays in the state and also the highest concentration in the country as per area. Though the movement has rejuvenated the rural economy, stakeholders are apprehensive that with rapid evolution, the primary goal of preserving intangible cultural heritage is being diluted with time. Many have stressed on the need for a policy and methodology overhaul.