The Gajoldoba Development Authority (GDA) has drawn up a plan to develop amenities at “Bhorer Alo,” the mega tourism hub at Gajoldoba in the Rajganj block of Jalpaiguri district, and taken initiatives to ensure the safety of hundreds of visitors who take boat rides in the adjoining Teesta river and its canal.

To execute the plan, the authority plans to use resources of the Jalpaiguri district administration and engage local self-help groups.

In 2018, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had announced the formation of the authority and a notification was issued in 2019 in this regard by the state government.

“After constituting the authority, the state had allocated Rs 14 crore for the creation of certain ancillary facilities on the site which has been drawing huge crowds these days. However, the fund has not been sanctioned so far. We believe this is because the state is into an austerity drive,” said a source.

Jalpaiguri district magistrate Moumita Godara Basu, who is the chairperson of the authority, sent a proposal to the state government a few days ago, saying the GDA intended to carry out certain works on the site.

“Gajoldoba has quickly emerged as an important and popular tourist destination in north Bengal. We need to have public toilets on the site. Also, it is an eco-friendly zone and there is a bird sanctuary nearby. To keep the area pollution-free, the GDA will declare it as a plastic-free zone. We can engage local self-help groups for campaigns and other related works,” said Basu.

She said a considerable section of tourists took boat rides on the Teesta river and its canal, located on the left bank and next to the tourism hub.

“We need to train the boatmen and introduce life jackets for every person who takes a ride. Some boats need repairs as well. All these can be done by helping the boatmen get finances from banks. There is also a plan to open stalls of self-help groups where different items can be sold to visitors,” the district magistrate added.

Although the authority was constituted two years back – four panchayats, two each in Rajganj and Malbazar blocks of Jalpaiguri district, are within the jurisdiction of the authority, it is yet to get an office on the site.

“We have to hold meetings at the DM’s office in Jalpaiguri or at the irrigation department’s bungalow in Gajoldoba. It is true that an office is necessary. However, we are not ready to sit back till the office is set up and employees are recruited,” said Rajganj Trinamul MLA Khageswar Roy, who is the vice-chairman of the GDA.

He said the GDA had submitted a set of proposals to the state government in January last year for funds.

“The funds were sought for an office building and improvement of a number of roads and culverts which are within the authority’s jurisdiction. Also, proposals were submitted for landscaping of certain stretches and installation of street lights and a welcome gate,” the MLA said. The funds haven’t been sanctioned.