The Bengal tourism department, along with state government agencies, is developing view points at different locations in Gajoldoba of Jalpaiguri district so that tourists can see the Mount Kanchenjungha and various species of migratory birds that winter in the area.
The view points are coming up at Bhorer Alo, the mega tourism hub that the Mamata Banerjee government set up near the Teesta barrage.
At Gajoldoba, the chief minister had marked a site that comprises the Teesta river and some adjoining water bodies as a bird sanctuary. She named the sanctuary as Pakhibitan.
A senior government official said the tourism department and some agencies, including the Gajoldoba Development Authority, were setting up new infrastructure and attractions for visitors at Bhorer Alo.
“Gajoldoba is known for migratory birds. Besides, Mt Kanchenjungha is sighted from here. That is why the view points are being developed for tourists to catch a glimpse of the Himalayas without visiting the hills. Simultaneously, bird enthusiasts and tourists in general can see different winged species," said Jyoti Ghosh, the joint director of the tourism department posted in Siliguri.
Sources said at least 150 species of migratory and local birds had been sighted at Gajoldoba during a survey a few years back.
“We have plans to build 10 view points at Pakhibitan. Local women who are associated with self-help groups are being trained to work as eco-guides and take the tourists to the view points while helping them identify the birds,” said Tejaswi Rana, the additional district magistrate of Jalpaiguri.
Purple swamp hen, kingfisher, northern pintail, greylag goose and ferruginous pochard are among the migratory birds that flock to Gajoldoba.
Gajoldoba is 25km from Siliguri.
The bird sanctuary, which is a natural habitat for the winged creatures, was marked four years ago. Altogether, 1,024.881 hectares of water bodies which are in Malbazar and Rajganj blocks have been included in the sanctuary.
The sanctuary extends to the Teesta riverbed in the north and the Gajoldoba barrage in the south. Pakhibitan stretches till Odlabari and Gajoldoba forest beats in the east and parts of Baikunthapur forest and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in the west.
“Birds start coming from November onwards. As of now, birdwatchers hire
boats to take a ride in the Teesta and the barrage area. There will be an alternative in the future. One can walk by foot to reach the view points to
see the birds,” said Khageswar Roy, the Rajganj MLA and
the vice-chairman of the Gajoldoba Development Authority.