The Jalpaiguri Zilla Parishad has drawn up a plan in association with the district administration to develop a haat (traditional rural market) from where tourists can buy various local items on the lines of the famous Sonajhuri Haat of Santiniketan.

Sonajhuri Haat is a traditional market in Sonajhuri forest where hundreds of traders and artisans display innumerable products, most of which are made in Birbhum district. The market draws thousands of tourists every day.

Mahua Gope, a zilla parishad member, said they have decided to open such a market on the banks of the Neora river which meanders through western Dooars and is near Lataguri, the most popular tourist hub in the Dooars.

“We want to develop the open-air market to provide an opportunity to tourists to buy local items and local artisans to merchandise their products. In due course, we want it to develop as one of the destinations for tourists visiting the Dooars,” said Gope.

She said that the Dooars is known for its handicraft varieties and around 2,000 people in the area are associated with it.

Local handicrafts, garments, tea and traditional food items would be available at this haat, she said.

She also stated that in the open-air market, there are plans to stock various materials including local eatables, handicrafts, tea and more. Handicraft items, especially those made with cane and bamboo, enjoy a huge demand in the area.

“Tourists can buy souvenirs and gifts like wall hangings, jute and wooden artworks, traditional jewelry and other items from the haat. They can also enjoy the local cuisine,” Gope added.

The location, she said, offers a picturesque view of the Neora river. People can also enjoy a walk along the riverside.

The administration and the rural body, sources said, have already started landscaping the area and improving the roads leading to it.

“In the first phase, a sum of Rs 40 lakh has been spent to build a 1.5km road and seating areas for tourists,” said a source.

An official said that in due course, they planned to invite tribal dance troupes and other local cultural troupes to perform at the site.

“In Santiniketan, bauls and local dance troupes earn a living by entertaining tourists at the Sonajhuri Haat. The same practice can be initiated here at the new haat,” said the official.

In Jalpaiguri, the administration has also launched four tour packages for tourists in the Dooars along with the North Bengal State Transport Corporation.

“Tourists availing these packages will be taken to this haat as well, and it will enrich their trip,” the official added.