Hakim welcomes fresh investments in real estate sector in Bengal

Welcoming the fresh investments from real estate sector in Bengal, state Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim talked about the construction of Eco Park at New Town conceptualised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

While addressing a convention – 'Connecting History'– held jointly by Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association (CREDAI) Bengal and Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) on Friday, Hakim said the state government built the Eco Park, which has become one of the best tourist attractions in Bengal.

"The Eco Park is now one of the best tourist spots across Bengal. It has completely changed the face of New Town – a new concept of urban park surrounded by greenery, conceptualised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This park is very popular among the tourists now," he said.

"I would request the private players to come up with innovative ideas. We can discuss it and also implement it at the end of the discussion," the minister said.

This two-day architectural convention will be attended by more than 400 delegates, architects from both national and international forums, a distinguished panel of expert theoreticians and practitioners along with architecture students from various parts of India.

Member of Parliament and noted historian, Sugata Bose said that the outskirts of Kolkata should be developed. "The areas like Bhangar, Sonarpur, Baruipur are very important. Those small towns should be developed to cities," Bose said.

"I personally do not prefer changing the old architectures of the city. Those old constructions are a glimpse into the history of the city. They should not be redeveloped. The new structures can co-exist with old structures. Kolkata can be a global city, if we can maintain those heritages properly," Bose added.

The intention to arrange such convention was quite interesting. The organisers said that Kolkata is in transformation. The city seems to be recreating its own horizons. "The city is manoeuvring itself to accommodate, invigorate and assimilate its many layers of history, its multicultural population and its diversity of intellectual expression," an organiser said.