Tourism plans

TT, Siliguri, Oct. 15: Minister Gautam Deb today said the state government will build a resort at Chulsa in public-private partnership.

“We will build a tourist resort at Chulsa jointly with a private firm. It would come up on a 4.33 acre plot and the cost would be Rs 20 crore,” the north Bengal development minister said at a news conference at Uttarkanya here today. “We have started floating tenders.”

Chulsa in Jalpaiguri district is around 60km from here.

Deb added that a similar project would come up at Chilapata near Alipurduar. “We will build 12 cottages near the Bania river (that flows through Chilapata forest) and launch a boating facility. We have decided to renovate the old forest bungalow of Chilapata that is 100 years old. We have plans to open cottages in South Khairbari and Mendabari in the Dooars and Gulma.” He added: “Apart from Chulsa, the other projects would be taken up by the state government and not under the PPP model. We will repair and beautify the 17km Chilapata Road.”

Two lakes at Baro Mujnai near Falakata and Domohani in Jalpaiguri have been identified. “These would be developed to attract Dooars visitors.”

Deb visit

Gautam Deb on Wednesday visited Gauri Mitra from ward 5, who is in a nursing home after a cerebral attack. Mitra had filed an FIR alleging that Deb had assaulted her and few others on September 28 for protesting the plan to set up an electric crematorium. “The relatives might refuse assistance from me. I have not voluntarily solicited help. They are free to approach me for any help possible from my end,” Deb said.