Siliguri, Sept. 30 -- The West Bengal government is planning to introduce ropeway projects in the hills to help ease traffic congestion in Darjeeling and strengthen tourism infrastructure across North Bengal.
Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh said discussions are underway on five ropeway projects. He was speaking after a meeting held at the State Guest House in Siliguri on Wednesday to prepare a six-month roadmap for tourism development in the hills.
The meeting, organised jointly by the Tourism Department and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), was attended by Minister of State Vishal Lama, administrative officials from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong.
"We are planning to develop Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Dudhia, Mongpu and Kurseong on an area-specific basis. We also have plans to further develop Darjeeling as an international tourism destination," said Ghosh.
The Tourism Department is also considering events such as tea festivals, vintage car rallies, walkathons, river rafting and paragliding to attract more visitors. Plans are also being considered to showcase the region's rich cultural and historical heritage through large-scale festivals and events.
Apart from the proposed ropeways, the government plans to improve tourist infrastructure at Mahakal Temple, Sevoke Kali Temple, the old bungalow at Kalijhora and places associated with Rabindranath Tagore in Mongpu.
Homestay registration emerged as another key issue. Officials have been asked to prepare detailed reports on registered and unregistered homestays in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Concerns were also raised over some homestays allegedly accommodating tourists without proper identity documents.
The Tourism Department is preparing to digitise the homestay registration and renewal process. New applicants will be able to apply online and submit documents through a designated government website.
"We are also reviewing its Homestay Policy and Tourism Industry Policy. The department plans to revamp its websites and make tourism-related information and services more accessible to visitors," said Ghosh.
"The Union government has sanctioned Rs. 57 crore for tourism-related development. We will utilise the entire fund and a massive development will take place within the next six months," Ghosh added.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.