July 7, 2015
Ecotourism between Bakkhali and Jambudweep to be set up by Bengal Govt
The West Bengal Government has come up with a proposal to develop an eco-tourism circuit between Bakkhali and Jambudweep. The issue will come up for discussion at the first meeting of the newly-formed eco-tourism board on July 8.
The State is also planning on development of Gangasagar. Initiated by West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has prepared a Rs 300-crore plan for Gangasagar development. The plan includes promotion of three virgin beaches in the area without affecting the ecosystem. The plan has been submitted to the ministry of water resources.
The West Bengal Chief Minister during her last visit to Gangasagar in October last year had expressed her desire to develop an eco-tourism circuit between Bakkhali, Jambudweep and Gangasagar. The State Urban Development department was asked to look into the matter and take necessary steps.
Since Jambudweep is an isolated forest island, permission will be taken from forest department for nature trials. The forest department has been requested to take up the matter for consideration in the first meeting of the eco-tourism board on July 8.
The state urban development department has proposed to introduce proper river transport by developing a route between Bakkhali and Jambudweep, somewhere near the fishing harbour point at Edward Creek. A jetty is also likely to be constructed at the north-eastern shore of Jambudweep along with a nature interpretation centre.
Work has already started for developing the infrastructure at Gangasagar. Senior officials had visited Gangasagar last week where a coordination meeting was held. The authorities have chalked out a strategy for developing Gangasagar under the Gangasagar Bakkhali Development Authority (GBDA) that was formed earlier. The GBDA authorities have been advised to develop its tourist lodge with all modern-day amenities for tourists. More wooden cottages will also be set up.
