Eco Park near Gorumara

Jalpaiguri: The Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) has decided to build an Eco Park at Lataguri to provide further entertainment to tourists visiting the Dooars.

Sourav Chakraborty, the SJDA chairman, said a 10-bigha plot has already been earmarked on the fringes of Gorumara National Park for the project and about Rs 9.50 crore would be spent on it.

"People visiting the Dooars do not have much options to entertain themselves, other than a visit to the forest areas and adjoining tea gardens. Many people come with children and want facilities where kids and adults can spend some time and enjoy. That is why, it has been decided to build the Eco Park. An array of rides and amenities will be make available inside the park," Chakraborty added.

The Eco Park in Calcutta is steadily emerging as a prominent destination for people in the city, the chairman said.

A source said Toy Train, boating, cable and flying cars would be made available in the park for children and adults. "There is a plan to keep water rides in the park. A separate science and nature park for children, an aviary and an open theatre are some of the other attractions which would be there at the park," the source added.

Documentaries on the culture and heritage of different communities dwelling in north Bengal would be screened at the open theatre, Chakraborty said. "Cultural troupes will perform live on a regular basis to enchant visitors," he added.

The SJDA also has plans to build a two-storied rest house in the park. "Tourists can book accommodations and stay in the park. We will also have a food park and a separate pavilion where handicrafts from different districts of the state would be displayed for sale," an SJDA official said.

The Telegraph