Violence has not returned to the district known as the country's sugarcane-belt, but political divisions remain as Hindus typically vote for BJP and Muslims for the opposition
West Bengal mulls Sundarbans tourism committee
West Bengal may soon have a separate committee to look into any impact of eco-tourism in the Sundarbans mangrove region, a minister said in Kolkata on Friday.
Published : 19 Dec 2014, 05:41 PM
Updated : 19 Dec 2014, 05:41 PM
According to Tourism Minister Bratya Basu, officials are mulling a proposal to constitute a committee headed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
"The committee, if formed, will seek to maintain a balance between tourism development and any effects on the fragile eco-system," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event.
He was speaking at the 'Travel India 2014' conference organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
The Bengal government has kick-started a series of initiatives to boost tourism in the Sundarbans delta, the world's largest mangrove reserve and one of the planet's most fragile eco-systems.
Banerjee recently announced an allotment of Rs 25 crore for establishing world's first mangrove zoo in Sundarbans to conserve the endangered flora and fauna.
The state government plans to start river and sea cruises, stays in tents and on yachts, adventure sports and trips to the mangroves.
Some of the plans have evoked criticism from conservation activists and environmental experts.
Basu said the government is also taking special steps to encourage and promote tea-tourism in the state.
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