Sundarbans
Chakraborty, speaking after a day-long visit to the Sundarbans, proposed leasing identified islands to private developers for 99 years, provided they create tourism infrastructure of five-star standard. He also suggested that 70%-80% of jobs generated by the projects should be reserved for local residents. Because of sea-level rise and the Sundarbans is approaching ecological tipping point,” Bhattacharya said, the islands are critically endangered. Environmentalists said any tourism expansion must therefore be preceded by rigorous carrying-capacity studies and ecological assessment rather than infrastructure-led development.
Kolkata: Actor and BJP functionary Mithun Chakraborty ’s proposal to develop “tiger tourism” across 8-10 islands in the Sundarbans, with five-star facilities and treehouses, has triggered sharp criticism from environmentalists who warned that intensive tourism could further stress one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. “We are planning to launch ‘Tiger Tourism’ here,” Chakraborty said, adding that 8-10 relatively untouched islands could be developed for high-end tourism. Its mangroves provide the first line of defence against deadly cyclones for the rest of south Bengal,” green activist Subhas Datta said. “Chakraborty must have said this out of ignorance. We hope this proposal meets the same fate,” said Naba Dutta of Sabuj Mancha. Sudipta Bhattacharya of Saviour and Friends of Environment said the Sundarbans was already under severe stress from tourism, waste generation, erosion and rising sea levels.
Treehouses, nature tourism and specialised boat trips could be part of the proposed circuit. Environmental activists, however, cautioned against opening up fragile islands to large-scale commercial development. “Sundarbans is ecologically one of the most sensitive zones. We all must understand how over-tourism can destroy the Sundarbans once and for all. ” Activists pointed out that similar proposals had surfaced in the past. “This is not the first time such wild ideas have been floated. The Sahara group had planned something similar during the Left Front regime. It drew strong criticism and was eventually shelved. “Trash is already being dumped indiscriminately in several tourism zones. “The Sundarbans is not like any other tiger reserve. That has to be understood first.