Alipurduar, Aug. 27 -- The Forest Department has initiated steps to reopen Bhutanghat, which has remained out of bounds for general tourists for nearly two decades. The move comes as preparations are underway to reintroduce tigers into Buxa Tiger Reserve, with the department also planning to develop a new tourism circuit linking Bhutanghat and Kalikhola with neighbouring Bhutan and Assam.
Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon announced the plan on Thursday. He said the proposed tourism circuit would run through Hatipota and Moynabari before reaching the picturesque Bhutanghat and Kalikhola areas along the India-Bhutan border.
"For more than three decades, there were no tigers in Buxa Tiger Reserve. We want to bring tigers from another state and reintroduce them into the forest. These tigers may move around the Bhutanghat and Kalikhola areas, so we have to remain cautious. At the same time, we want to promote tourism in the region. We are considering reopening Bhutanghat and Kalikhola for tourism through car safaris or elephant safaris," Oraon said.
He added that the Forest Department was also discussing with Bhutan the possibility of developing a road through Kalikhola in Bhutan, connecting the route to Assam. According to the minister, the proposed road could boost connectivity and contribute to the development of people living in the region.
Bhutanghat, known for its colourful hills and scenic landscape, is located near Kumargram in Alipurduar district and falls within the core area of Buxa Tiger Reserve. The area has remained closed to general visitors for nearly 20 years, primarily because of wildlife conservation concerns. It had also once been considered a stronghold of KLO militants. Although no militant activity is currently reported from the area, Bhutanghat remains under strict surveillance by the Forest Department and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Visitors travelling towards Bhutanghat have to pass through the Forest Department's Moynabari check-post and an SSB check-post. Bhutanghat is located approximately 45 km from Alipurduar town.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.