Tree houses coming soon in Bankura

Kolkata: In a bid to boost eco-tourism, Paschimanchal Unnyan Affairs department is setting up air-conditioned tree houses in Bankura, the first of their kind in South Bengal.

The only tree house in the state is situated near Gorumara Elephant Camp, at Dhupjhora in North Bengal. Locally known as Gachbari, it was built by the state Forest department.

It may be mentioned that after coming to power in 2011, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took several initiatives to boost tourism. In the administrative review meetings, she has emphasised over and over again on developing eco-tourism with home stay facilities.

The tree houses in Bankura are coming up at Jhilmili. They are being built by Bankura district administration. There will be cottages and Swiss tents. The tree houses will be run by private agencies. There will be all modern facilities on offer and both Indian and Western cuisine will be served.

The rooms will be well furnished. There will be two rooms with attached toilets and a balcony. The tree houses are situated in the middle of the forest. Work is underway to complete them within a month.

Tourist flow in Mukutmanipur has already doubled. In weekends and on holidays, all the accommodations are occupied. A senior official of district administration said with the improvement of road connectivity, the rush of tourists has increased considerably.

He said that the tree houses will be ready soon and they expect to fetch good business.

Jhilmili and its neighbourhood have been developed with setting up of viewing points.

Cottages have also been constructed at Sushunia. A children's park has been set up at Mukutmanipur. A cluster of shops have been constructed to facilitate local artisans to sell their products. It may be mentioned that Bankura is famous for dokra.

Roads have been also constructed in areas surrounding Mukutmanipur. Plans have been undertaken to set up cottages at Ayodhya Hills in Purulia.

Shantiram Mahato, minister for Paschimanchal Unnyan Affairs department, said that Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram and West Midnapore have tremendous eco-tourism potential. "The department is funding several tourism projects in the Paschimanchal districts. Tourism is our thrust area and plans are being made to provide more facilities to the visitors," Mahato said.