NORTH BENGAL ROUTES FROM THIS WINTER... Nature trails for forest treks

TT, Jalpaiguri: Adventure enthusiasts will now have the option of nature trails, thanks to a facility to be introduced by the state forest department soon.

In north Bengal, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts had the option to move into forests in cars on a safari, take an elephant ride or ride in enclosures in vehicles at the Bengal Safari Park located on the outskirts of Siliguri.

"But we have found many people interested in walking. In south Bengal, such trails have started at some locations in Purulia, Bankura and West Midnapore on the fringes of forests. There is a plan to introduce it in north Bengal this winter season. Work is on to identify the routes," said M.R. Baloch, additional principal chief conservator of forests (NB).

According to him, such treks will encourage students and researchers to join The Buxa hills on the Bhutan border where nature trails are planned the trails and learn about the flora and fauna, local history and culture, besides conservation of forests and wildlife.

Sources in the forest department said the divisional forest officers will identify the trail routes in the forests located under their jurisdictions.

"On any day, not more than 50 people would be allowed to take the trail. They would be accompanied by our guards and guides and all the trails would be on fringes and not in core areas (places which are wildlife habitats). Before entering the forest, a range or beat officer will brief the group members and explain the precautions. A minimal entry fee will have to be paid for the walk of 3km," said a source.

Before introducing the fa- cility, the department will also install signboards along each trail with details of the animals, insects, birds and trees on the stretch.

"The West Bengal Forest Development Agency has been instructed to create infrastructure like drinking water facilities and washrooms on the trails. The agency will also run an online facility where information about the trail routes would be available. Anybody interested to go into a trail can also make online booking," the source said.

To bring in more visitors in the trail, the department has also decided to take them to nearby heritage structures and other attractions during the trip.

For example, a trail to Buxa hills would mean a visit to the Buxa Fort while another in the forests of Gorubathan in Kalimpong would lead to a visit in the Dalimkote Fort, said an official.