July 4, 2011
CM suggests facelift of Kolkata riverfront
Kolkata, July 4: West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee is taking various initiatives towards the growth of the tourism industry in the state and to begin with she suggests a number beautification plans for the facelift of the Kolkata riverfront.
Chief Minister has asked Rites, a central agency, to submit a detailed report regarding the setting up some of the elegant structures at Kolkata Tower, city heritage museum, Kolkata Gateway and Mayor's office between Babughat and Fairlie Place. The Rites has suggested an underground track in between Princep Ghat and Bagbazar for circular railway alonwith multifunction centres at all the six railway stations of circular railways along the bank to house commercial and entertainment hubs.
In an initiative to revive the ‘nostalgia’ across North Kolkata which was once considered the epitome of art and culture in the city, Ms. Banerjee propose plans to beautify all the ‘ghats’ alongside of the river Ganges including setting up of Vivekananda Institute at North Kolkata along the bank. Bagbazar, will undergo a facelift.
Ms. Banerjee plans to construct an amphitheatre, a community centre over the Sovabazar station and the ghats at Kashi Mitra, Kumartuli and Beniatola. Walking paths will be build along the riverfront near Princep Ghat to Burrabazar.
Ms. Banerjee, also suggests an art gallery enabling the artists and artisans to display their creative work ranging from clay to Dokra art. Apart from display there will be shops selling curios, gifts and handloom products which will not only bring livelihood for the artisans but at the same time allow the tourism industry to flourish in the state.
There are plans to build a Kolkata Eye, a giant Ferris wheel on the lines of London Eye and a literary square around Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's statue in Babughat. There are also plans to construct a number of food parks and joints along the 12 km river bank.
The ferry ghats will get a new look with decorated sheds and special seats for passengers.
