WBFDC looks to up the ante in ecotourism at N Bengal

SOUMITRA NANDI | MP | 16 Sep 2018| Kolkata: The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) has made elaborate plans to boost ecotourism in North Bengal through a major overhaul of its properties. It is also coming up with a new ecotourism camp adjacent to Jhalong waterfall with lodging facilities for the tourists. 

"Our purpose behind the renovation of our resorts and construction of the new camp at Jhalong is aimed at making people aware of the ecology and at the same time, educate them about the importance of conserving them. Our ecotourism resorts are ideal for those who love serene and peaceful ambience and look for relief from the hustle and bustle of the concrete city life," said Ravinder Pall Saini, managing director of WBFDC.

WBFDC has decided to distribute booklets to educate the tourists about the dos and don'ts during their period of stay at its resorts, all of which are located in and around the forest area.

"We want to inculcate the message to our tourists that an eco resort is not like a conventional hotel and they have to adhere to certain rules while staying in it. Plastic is completely banned, there is restriction on round-the-clock electricity as too much light discourages animals to venture near the resort," a senior WBFDC official added. 

It may be mentioned that there is already an ecotourism resort of WBFDC at Jaldhaka, which enjoys full occupancy throughout the year. 

"Now, we are adding to our existing accommodation and at least 20 more tourists would be able to put up at Jaldhaka Resort," Saini added. 

The work for renovation and adding of occupancy has already been taken up in collaboration with North Bengal Development department. 

In North Bengal, the WBFDC has nature resorts in places such as Jaldhaka, Murti, Paren, Rasikbil, Suntalekhola, Loleygaon, Lava Kalimpong, Mongpong and Lepchajagat. The locations of these properties and the excellent hospitality provided by the staff ensure steady reservations for these resorts throughout the year. 

It may be mentioned that WBFDC has roped in some local villagers from Panijhora to work at its Murti Resort in Dooars. 

"They not only do cooking and other activities for tourist hospitality but also guide them about the best time for animal sighting during jungle safari. We are looking at similar tie-ups with local youths for our other resorts," a senior WBFDC official added.