The Malda district administration has drawn up a comprehensive plan to woo tourists in the district known for historical sites, deer park, mangoes and textiles.
Earlier, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had underscored that efforts should be put to showcase Malda as a tourist destination. Unlike some north Bengal districts, tourist inflow is comparatively less in Malda.The Mamata government had allotted Rs 4.5 crore for illumination and a light-and-sound show in Malda’s historical sites Gour and Adina.
“The state gave funds for the project. But unfortunately, the illumination and the light-and-sound shows didn’t continue at the sites that are managed by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Earlier this week, we held a meeting where the ASI authorities were asked to resume them or leave it to us. We will evolve a mechanism so that the sites are illuminated and people can enjoy the light-and-sound show every day. Government funds should not go waste,” said Nitin Singhania, Malda district magistrate.
The district officials have requested the ASI to resume the light-and-sound show at both sites by October 1. Four kiosks of 180sqft will be opened at Gour, Adina, Jagjibanpur and Malda Town station. “Miniatures of the historical artifacts, along with mango and silk products and famous sweets of Malda will be available in these kiosks. An exclusive restaurant serving traditional tribal thalis (cuisine) will open near Adina, run by self-help groups of tribal women,” said an official.
District officials are also readying an elaborate route map of tourist destinations, accommodations, transit points, among others, for tourists. “We have designed a website and have dedicated pages on Facebook for information on Malda. A fleet of e-rickshaws have been identified to ferry tourists to Gour, Adina, Pandua and Jagjibanpur,” the official added.
The administration has also trained 264 youths of the district as tourist guides.In the past few weeks, the administration has received a number of applications from people who want to start homestays, the DM said.
