Digha to become best tourist destination in world, says CM

Digha will be the best tourist destination in the world, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said while addressing a public rally at Digha in East Midnapore on Tuesday. She also inaugurated and laid foundation stones of a series of projects from there. She also distributed several benefits among the people of East Midnapore during the programme apart from laying the foundation stone for Digha Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Reiterating the incident in Darjeeling that has badly affected the tourism industry in the Hills, the Chief Minister said: "Today people cannot visit Darjeeling for the violence there. But people are visiting places like Terai, Dooars and other tourist destinations in the state." Besides stating the projects that the state government will take up for further development of Digha, Banerjee urged people not to do anything irrational as it would turn the tourists enraged. "The state government has taken several steps and beautified Digha that is now attracting lakhs of tourists every year. One shouldn't all of a sudden set up a small stall beside a road that would create obstruction to the clear view of the sea. Of course they will set up their shops. But there are earmarked places for that. We have to keep in mind that people spend money and visit the place to enjoy its scenic beauty. They would come again and again if they find the people and the place both friendly. So it is our duty to maintain the place properly," she said adding that more hotels will come up and there will be a growth in the economy of the tourist destination with an increase in tourists including from different parts of the world.

"Digha will also be world famous one day like Kanyashree," she said adding

that several measures have been taken and directions have been given to expedite the remaining work.

A bridge is coming up that would make the journey to Digha from Kolkata easier and the footfall will also go up. "I have directed to handover the task to Haldia Development Authority (HAD) and they will be carrying it out within three months. The state Irrigation, Public Work Department and HAD will coordinate among them in this connection," she said.

Banerjee also added that several spots including Madarmoni, Tajpur, Udaypur and Shankarpur have also been developed. Several steps are being taken to give a proper place to these locations on the tourism map by carrying out overall development work. Mandarmoni has been developed in an eco-friendly manner. There are coastal police stations. The state government has taken steps to increase the manpower in these police stations and it will ensure security of tourists.

A port is coming up at Tajpur soon. Thus, many hotels and ancillary industries will come up there and it will lead to a boom in the economy of the area, she said.

The Chief Minister will be holding the administrative review meeting of the district in Digha on Wednesday. She will be taking stock of the ongoing projects and will discuss what more needs to be done for further development of the district.

Adhering to a request by MP Sisir Adhikary, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in consultation with state Education minister, proposed a private university in East Midnapore. State Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari was also a part of this decision. The setting up of the university will immensely help students from the district. Banerjee also announced the plan of the state government to upgrade the Contai hospital to a Medical College. Prior to that, the number of beds in the hospital will be increased to 300 from 255. It will ensure better health services in case any tourist visits Digha.