Raiganj, Sept. 14 -- The West Bengal Tourism Department has initiated a move to develop infrastructure at several tourist destinations in North Dinajpur district, including the Raiganj Kulik Bird Sanctuary, with priority being given to places that attract visitors throughout the year. State Tourism minister Shankar Ghosh announced the initiative in Raiganj on Monday while attending a meeting of the Seva Sankalpa Abhiyan at the Vivekananda Meeting Hall of the District Magistrate's office at Karnajora.

According to the minister, the state government plans to prepare and publish a comprehensive tourism map by December 2026, identifying important tourist destinations across the state for phased infrastructure development. The respective District Magistrates have been asked to submit details and maps of proposed tourist spots in their districts, based on priority. "The government has planned to develop the Raiganj Kulik Bird Sanctuary on a priority basis as a large number of tourists visit the sanctuary throughout the year. Infrastructure at other tourist spots in North Dinajpur will also be developed," Ghosh said.

He added that the Tourism Department had asked all District Magistrates to identify and submit details of tourist destinations requiring development. The proposed tourism map is expected to be published by December this year, following which infrastructure development at selected destinations will begin.

The Kulik Bird Sanctuary, one of the major tourist attractions of North Dinajpur, draws large numbers of migratory birds every year and attracts visitors from different parts of the state and beyond. The proposed development is expected to improve facilities for tourists while strengthening the sanctuary as a major tourism destination.

The minister said, " Priority would be given to tourist destinations that receive visitors throughout the year. Apart from improving tourism facilities, the government also intends to generate employment opportunities through the expansion of the tourism sector".

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.