The West Bengal State Biodiversity Board is setting up a rhododendron park at Mirik, located around 50km kilometres from here in Darjeeling hills.

Locals feel the new attraction will help increase tourist footfall in the hill town, which is also known for the Sumendu Lake.

“The state biodiversity board has sanctioned ₹11.66 lakh for setting up the park in a plot located adjacent to the lake,” said Gyalbo Lama, the convener of the biodiversity management committee of Mirik.

According to him, the proposed rhododendron park will come up on the northern side of the iconic Indreni bridge over the lake. It will be spread over three acres of land located in Ward 7 of Mirik Municipality.

Sources said the committee has started planting 1,500 saplings of rhododendron and the work will end on Monday.

“Climatic conditions of the hills are ideal for the growth of these plants. The visitors would be able to see different species of rhododendrons here once the plants grow,” said Lama.

He said the funds would be spent on the plantation, installation of fences, maintenance and nurturing of the saplings over the next three years.

Back in 2001, a similar project was taken up in Mungpoo of Darjeeling district.

“But it didn't work. This time, we will have the first rhododendron park on the hills in Mirik. Instructions have been given to take proper care of the saplings and the park, especially during the next six years,” said L.B. Rai, chairman of the board of administrators of Mirik Municipality.

The park, he said, would draw more tourists to Mirik.

“It will also generate additional employment and will boost the local economy,” Rai added.