Sajnekhali, West Bengal:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today urged industrialists to invest in the state to promote tourism and develop infrastructure during a visit to the Sunderbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.
"I am urging industrialists to invest for promotion of tourism and infrastructure development in West Bengal, including the Sunderbans," Ms Banerjee said while addressing a group of entrepreneurs during a tour of the forest.
Promising that the state government would provide all assistance, the Chief Minister said, "We have a positive attitude and thinking towards industrialisation."
"We want Bengal to grow to the number one position in industry and tourism," the chief minister said addressing a group of 25 entrepreneurs who accompanied her in the two-day infrastructure-cum-tourism-cum-transportation promotion trip.
Harshvardhan Neotia, chairman of Amubuja Neotia Group, announced that his group would set up an eco-tourism luxury project of 50 cottages with an initial investment of approximately Rs 50 crore and involving generation of employment for about 150 people.
The project construction will start by the middle of 2015 and will be completed in two years, he said.
A water taxi service for tourists was proposed by the promoters of Bengal Aerotropolis Pvt Ltd (BAPL) with a fleet of 30 vessels and an approximate investment of Rs 50 crore.
Sanjay Budhia, managing director of Patton Group, announced that free Patton water tanks would be provided to all social development projects like schools, colleges hostels, medical institutions and sports institutions in the Sunderbans and adjoining Gangasagar.