Resort owners in the Dooars have demanded that the administration conduct Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) of tourists at kiosks which can be set up at entry points.

A delegation of resort owners on Friday met Jalpaiguri district magistrate Moumita Godara Basu with the demand.

“We had earlier seen the administration carrying out random RAT tests in marketplaces and busy areas. A similar step can be taken to screen tourists visiting the region. Kiosks for the RAT tests can be set up at tourist spots in the Dooars and entry points. It would be convenient for tourists then as they would no longer have to carry RTPCR negative reports. Staff at the resorts and homestays can also be screened regularly,” said Mahasweta Roy, assistant secretary, Gorumara Tourism Welfare Association.

On Wednesday, the Jalpaiguri district administration has issued a notification mentioning that only tourists, who were fully vaccinated or carrying RTPCR negative reports issued not before 48 hours of their travel could check into hotels, resorts and homestays.

The notification led to a number of cancellations as a section of tourists who took the first dose or were yet to be vaccinated were apprehensive of travelling to the Dooars because the RTPCR certificates would be considered invalid if there was any delay in their arrival because of transport issues.

Basu, the district magistrate, said the proposal |could be considered but |transporters and railway authorities needed to be consulted.

“A detailed plan has to be drawn in consultation with different departments and the stakeholders. Only then can this process be initiated. We will soon speak to the persons concerned to check out the feasibility of the plan,” she said.