The state tourism department in association with industry stakeholders and NGOs has drawn up a plan to work together and promote new attractions and activities in north Bengal to attract more tourists.

Tourism minister Gautam Deb on Wednesday revealed the contents of the plan drawn to help revive the sector that took a beating in last year’s pandemic.

Under the plan, it was decided to promote new tourism circuits and introduce activities such as bird watching, water sports and jungle trail at Bhorer Alo, the mega tourism hub developed by the state government at Gajoldoba in Jalpaiguri.

“The sector that suffered the most during the pandemic is tourism. Now that things are getting back to normal, we have chalked out a plan to help revive the industry. The plan, we believe, can help bring in more tourists to north Bengal,” Deb said.

He added that his department along with the stakeholders intended to promote a religious circuit covering Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar.

“Under the circuit, A tourist can start from Jalpaiguri palace, visit prominent temples of the district like Debi Choudhurani, Bhramri Devi and Jalpesh and then head for Cooch Behar. In Cooch Behar, one can visit the famous Madan Mohan temple, Kamteswari temple, the historical relics in Gosanimari, the Cooch Behar palace and other heritage buildings of the district,” the minister said.

For Gajoldoba, the department plans to train 300 local residents who can take tourists for bird-watching. Gajoldoba and Baikunthapur forest host many migratory birds.

“This will create an alternative earning option for villagers and help tourists enjoy their trip more. There are plans to start bicycle trails to the forest from Bhorer Alo and water sports next to the Teesta river,” said Raj Basu, convener of the Association for Conservation and Tourism.

According to him, a two-day training programme for boatmen of Gajoldoba and local youths will be held at the site from February 11.

“They will be trained to identify birds and on safety measures. Later, similar training would be held for youths before cycle rides and jungle trails start. Members of eight NGOs in Jalpaiguri will conduct the training,” added Basu.