Bengal mulls Sunderbans tourism committee

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SME Times News Bureau | 20 Dec, 2014
West Bengal may soon have a separate committee to look into any impact of eco-tourism in the Sunderbans mangrove region, a minister said Kolkata Friday.

According to Tourism Minister Bratya Basu, officials are mulling a proposal to constitute a committee headed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"The committee, if formed, will seek to maintain a balance between tourism development and any effects on the fragile eco-system," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

He was speaking at the 'Travel India 2014' conference organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

The Bengal government has kick-started a series of initiatives to boost tourism in the Sunderbans delta, the world's largest mangrove reserve and one of the planet's most fragile eco-systems.

Banerjee recently announced an allotment of Rs.25 crore for establishing world's first mangrove zoo in Sunderbans to conserve the endangered flora and fauna.

The state government plans to start river and sea cruises, stays in tents and on yachts, adventure sports and trips to the mangroves.

Some of the plans have evoked criticism from conservation activists and environmental experts.

Basu said the government is also taking special steps to encourage and promote tea-tourism in the state.