WBFDC Gives A New Meaning To 'Eco-Tourism' In Bengal

Joy Roy Choudhury-KOLKATA

Eco-tourism is a new phenomenon in West Bengal but it is catching up gradually thanks to the effort of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Ltd., a Government of West Bengal undertaking under the State's Department of Forests.

WBFDC embarked on the business of eco-tourism towards mid-90s of the last century, as an integral part of Joint Forestry Management (JFM) and its diversification programme. It has given a new meaning to eco-tourism in the State.

The primary objective of WBFDC in the field of eco-tourism is to promote and manage the activities in an environmentally, culturally and economically sustainable manner by involvement of the locals in these remote areas and launching various welfare schemes for the locals involved in the process of eco-tourism.

Arin Ghosh, Managing Director, West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Ltd. (WBFDC) said: "After some initial fallouts, WBFDC has now initiated new efforts for promotion of eco-tourism in the State. Instead, of promoting new destinations for eco-tourism, the Corporation has concentrated on consolidation of its existing centres by way of addition of infrastructure and bringing about professionalism in the style of functioning."

At present, WBFDC has 16 Eco-tourism resorts in various locations all over Bengal. All these resorts have one thing in common they are located in the most exquisite locales in the Northern and Southern parts of the State.

The WBFDC-owned nature resorts in North Bengal are located at Lava, Luleygaon, Kalimpong, Rongpo, Mongpong, Samsing, Suntaleykhola, Jaldhaka, Murti, Lepchajagat, Rashikbeel, Garubathan and Buxa Jungle Lodges (Rajabhatkhawa). The Nature Resorts in South Bengal are located at Mukutmonipur, Garpanchakot and Duarsini.

Commenting on the new model, Ghosh said: "WBFDC has effectively involved the local people in promotion of eco-tourism through setting up of Forest Protection Committee (FPC)."

"These people play a vital role in protecting the forests and now they also get benefited by participating in the eco-tourism activities related to the Nature Resorts of Corporation. Community eco-development through spread of eco-tourism activities has now become one of the most important parts of WBFDC's planning," he said.

In order to render better services to the tourists and formulate new policies and steps to increase business, WBFDC has recruited Eco-tourism Consultants.

Apart from this the Corporation is constantly organising training sessions for their field staff and FPC members for both Hospitality & Catering and other Housekeeping and Kitchen services. The Corporation has even appointed consultants like STEPS to provide the basic training as well as upgrading skills.

Moreover, WBFDC is also helping in creating awareness regarding eco-system conservation and dangers to it in the present times and ways to conserve it among visitors. "We plan to declare all our 16 Eco-tourism resorts, 'plastic-free zones' from October this year," he said.

"We have also adopted aggressive marketing strategy for its promotion and our efforts have bore fruits. But today WBFDC is well recognised for its eco-tourism resorts among both the MIG and HIG categories," Ghosh said.

WBFDC also plans to add new features to the existing eco-tourism resorts. An ayurvedic treatment and healing centre will be opened at Garpanchkot, which has a rich history of ayurvedic healing. This place in Purulia district is also famous for its medicinal herbs and plants. "We will leverage this strength of the place to provide better services to the tourists."

The Corporation has recently upgraded it's website and introduced online booking facilities. Credit card facilities will be introduced shortly. To further facilitate booking of the resorts, several private tour operators have been appointed to book rooms for these resorts.

WBFDC is also organizing package tours with the message of a perfect hassle free and safe tour to the tourists.

"The Corporation is also encouraging private participation for development of eco-tourism in the State. This will be within the framework of the Public-Private-Participation (PPP) Policy laid down by the State Government. We have already identified certain areas in the State for this purpose," the Managing Director added.

WBFDC has netted nearly Rs. 1.30 crore from its eco-tourism initiatives in the last fiscal and is expecting to double it in the current financial year.