December 8, 2014
WB CM to inaugurate a series of projects to boost tourism in Sunderbans
After Sagar Islands, Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee will lead a delegation of industry leaders on a three-day tour to the mangrove islands, starting today, to attract investment for tourism and improve transport infrastructure at the Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tourism-development trip
The government will also explore opportunities for joint ventures through the public-private partnership (PPP) route for tourism and transport. The Chief Minister is keen to develop Jharkhali as a gateway to the Sunderbans.
WB CM will be accompanied by a delegation comprising heads of hospitality companies with a national footprint and senior members of various chambers of commerce.
The Chief Minister wants to explore possibilities of developing inland waterways transportation, including cruises, which will offer world-class experience to tourists from across the globe.
Inauguration of projects
She will inaugurate the Mathurapur-Patharpratima Bridge today. The 750-metre bridge, named Mridanga Setu, is expected to come up as an “iconic structure” and boost connectivity across the region.
She will also inaugurate a Tiger Rescue Centre at Jharkhali and lay the foundation stone for tourism facilities.
Tourism players can develop Jharkhali as a base camp for a holistic tour of the Sunderbans. Jharkhali has a mangrove ecological garden that attracts tourists. It is easy to reach Dobanki, Sajnekhali or Sudhanyakhali from here.
Boost to tourism
The Sunderbans, one of the largest remaining mangroves areas in the world, has exceptional biodiversity in terrestrial and marine environments. It is home to a significant population of the globally endangered Royal Bengal Tiger.
It includes a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The area is known for its wide range of fauna, including 260 bird species, the Royal Bengal Tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python.
