Haldia Development Authority focuses on tourism

23 December 2011

biswabrata goswami
HALDIA, 23 DEC: As the Central Pollution Control Board has extended the moratorium imposed two years ago on setting up of new industrial units in the area, the Haldia Development Authority (HDA) is now focusing on improving the tourism infrastructure. Following the order, the HDA has stopped providing basic infrastructure for new industries.
It has already started preparing GIS-based "Land Use Map" for effective planning and development. “The GIS map will provide plot wise information on the status of land. IIT Kharagpur has been engaged to prepare the Land Development and Control Plan for the old planning area,” said Mr Subhendu Adhikari, chairman of the HDA.
He said: “We have already launched a dedicated website for promotion of tourism in Haldia and its neighbouring areas. The website will help the travellers who would love to explore the rich natural and historical treasure of the region.”
According to HDA officials, the website has information on important tourist attractions, right from route maps, to travel guides, information on accommodation, picnic spots and sight-seeing places, eco-tourism destinations, and industries.
This apart, the HDA is preparing a detailed project report for development of land in and around Mahisadal Rajbari to make it a favourable tourist destination. Work for the project  will begin soon. The HDA is also going to construct a “Gateway to Haldia Town” to create an impressive landmark for the port city of West Bengal, an HDA official said.
For setting up a speedy communication with Kolkata, the HDA along with Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) took up an initiative to connect Haldia to Kolkata within 30 minutes by the copter service. “The air service will help industrialists, elite and local people for emergency services,” said Mr Adhikari. As a part of development works, the HDA has illuminated 6.3-km HPL Link Road (Connecting between NH-41 and SH-4) by high power LED Street Lights with automated operating system at the cost of Rs 3 crore.