For Bengal, the challenge is to convert the Sundarbans into a destination capable of featuring on the global tourism map and generating jobs and revenue, but without damaging the fragile environment that makes the delta an attraction in the first place.

For Bengal, the challenge is to convert the Sundarbans into a destination capable of featuring on the global tourism map and generating jobs and revenue, but without damaging the fragile environment that makes the delta an attraction in the first place.

For Bengal, the challenge is to convert the Sundarbans into a destination capable of featuring on the global tourism map and generating jobs and revenue, but without damaging the fragile environment that makes the delta an attraction in the first place.

The West Bengal government is on a firm footing to put the Sundarbans on the global tourism map, with an ambitious plan that combines high-end eco-tourism, wildlife experiences, religious tourism, and local livelihoods to generate greater economic activity from the world’s largest mangrove delta.

Mithun Chakraborty, appointed Tourism and Cultural Affairs advisor, made important announcements during a visit to Gosaba on Sunday.

He shared plans for five-star eco-friendly tree-house resorts on some of the uninhabited islands of the Sundarbans, along with proposals for aerial tiger-spotting tours using quieter aircraft.

Chakraborty said there are around 8-10 uninhabited islands in the region where the state is considering allowing five-star eco-resorts under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The land could be leased to private operators for up to 99 years or transferred through a government-approved arrangement.

The emphasis on five-star accommodation is intended to attract tourists with greater spending capacity, including international visitors, and create a more lucrative tourism economy around the Sundarbans. Under the proposed model, 80 per cent of the workforce at the resorts would have to be recruited locally. Each project could provide jobs to around 70 to 80 local youths.

The plan, however, is likely to face scrutiny from environmentalists who fear that commercial tourism could put additional pressure on an already fragile ecosystem. The Sundarbans is not only a major tourist attraction but is also a critical habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger and numerous other species.

Environmentalists have argued that tourism infrastructure in the region must be planned by people with a strong understanding of the local ecology. Chakraborty said that the proposed development would be eco-friendly and would have to comply with forest and environmental laws.

A woman spreads a fishing net in the Sundarbans of West Bengal | Salil Bera

The tourism blueprint goes beyond wildlife. The government is considering a religious tourism circuit around temples dedicated to Ma Manasa and Bonbibi—both deeply associated with the cultural life of the Sundarbans.

A rural haat is also proposed where villagers can sell authentic local honey and handicrafts, allowing tourism spending to flow directly into local communities.

Other proposed attractions include two new jetties for dolphin watching, a mangrove interpretation centre, and a museum showcasing the biodiversity of the Sundarbans.

The film industry is another area the government hopes to leverage. West Bengal currently provides a 30 per cent subsidy for film shoots, including productions from India and abroad. The state expects increased filming in the Sundarbans to bring additional business and employment opportunities to the local population.

The tourism push is also being connected to local welfare. Chakraborty said hundreds of fishermen were still awaiting licences and that he had directed the administration to expedite their issuance.

On compensation for families of people killed in tiger attacks, he said eligible beneficiaries would be compensated in accordance with Supreme Court and High Court directives, with lists of beneficiaries already prepared.

Chakraborty met officials such as the Tourism Department secretary, the South 24 Parganas district magistrate, sub-divisional officer, local MLA, and the Deputy Field Director of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve.

However, the success of the tourism expansion will depend heavily on connectivity with the mainland. Better roads, waterways, jetties, transport links, and basic infrastructure will be essential if the state wants to attract high-value tourists, sustain the proposed resorts, and create a dependable tourism economy. At the same time, such infrastructure will have to be developed without compromising the ecological sensitivity of the region.

For Bengal, the challenge is clear. The Sundarbans will have to be converted into a destination capable of featuring on the global tourism map and generating jobs and revenue, but without damaging the fragile environment that makes the delta an attraction in the first place.

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