From Darjeeling to Sunderbans- a new tourism policy on anvil

Kolkata, May 21: The State Government will soon announce a new tourism policy highlighting not only the scenic beauty of the Hills of Darjeeling and other areas of North Bengal, but also the flora and fauna of the Sunderbans areas, the largest mangove in the world.
 Speaking to UNI, new Tourism Minister Rachpal Singh said the development of tourism infrastructure would be taken up once the problems of the hills areas, expected to be solved within three months as stated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, were over.
Referring to the immense tourism potential in the state, he said among the other top priorities of his agenda included the development of the bio-sphere of the Sunderbans delta and setting up of a number of budget and star hotels in different spots in cooperation with private entrepreneurs.

'' We are also planning to develop religious tourism and set up a new tourisn circuit in a big way comprising the religious spots like Tarakeswar, Tarapith, Belur, Dakshineshwar and some other places in Burdwan, Hooghly and Birbhum districts, '' Mr Singh informed.

'' We shall also try to bring the beauty of the rural Bengal and its ethnicity to the people from across the globe and develop a number of new and virgin tourist spots in rural Bengal, including those in Midnapore, Purulia, Birbhum, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Darjeeling districts, '' he stated.

Referring to the steps of attracting more foreign tourists as well as from different parts of India, Mr Singh said he had plans to invite a number of hoteliers and those others involved in tourism sectors to set up new accommodations and eatieries under PPP model.

'' I am already receiving a large number of queries from the concerned players both within and outside the state, he added.

Turning his attention to the implementation of the vision of the Chief Minister in developing the state as one of the most attractive tourist destinations, he said, '' As a member of the disciplined forces I will personally monitor the timely execution of all the projects and ensure that top class quality was maintained in all respects. '' '' I shall be able to provide a clearer guideline during the next week after educating myself with the affairs of the department, '' Mr Singh promised.

--UNI