Measures to foster eco-tourism in Adina

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Feb. 20: The forest department in Malda has planned to inaugurate a guest house located in Adina Forest on the national highway 34 in Gazole next month as the first step to foster eco-tourism in the district.The eco-tourism project was conceived in 2006 and Ms Sumita Ghatak, the former Malda divisional forest officer (DFO) had prepared a plan jointly with the financial help from Malda zillaparishad.Mr Rajendra Jakhar, DFO, Malda has implemented the earlier plan and has chalked out more programmes to attract the tourists to the spot.“Tourists comprising two families can easily stay at night at the newly constructed guest house in Adina Forest on their way to visit north Bengal forests or on their way back. They can also enjoy the historical remnants at Pandua and leave for their destination in the morning after breakfast," Mr Rajendra Jakhar said. According to him, the tourists will be able to stay at the guest house through official booking system. Staff has been appointed to cook meals and refreshments for the tourists.The forest department in Malda has planned to acquire more land to develop the deer park, and also migratory birds’ hub excavating a big pond there with the help of Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) by NABARD.The forest department is now finishing off the fencing around the area for security. It has planed to expand the deer park close to the national highway 34 where a total of 79 spotted deer are the main attraction.“We have planned to build a watch tower for bird lovers, extra space for picnic spot with a car parking and other facilities for the tourists”, Mr Jakhar said.The department officers claim that tourists can enjoy the Adina forest especially in November and December as migratory birds flock in the area during that period.The forest department had been facing difficulties to expand forest on a large scale due to land dispute. At present, the forest covers about 70 hectares of land. If the department manages to acquire the private ( disputed ) lands close to the forest, the total area under the forest would increase to about 100 hectares.