At the foundation ceremony of the Ganga River Cruise Circuit project worth Rs 20.42 crore, Gandhi welcomed the initiatives taken by the state Tourism department but said before taking any step one must consider its environmental impact. “It is important to ensure that the vessels do not leave waste and create minimal pollution, especially in the Sunderbans,” said Gandhi.

The project, funded by the Centre, will include development of 12 heritage destinations dotting Hooghly in six districts. The destinations are: Belur, Dakshineswar, Barrackpore, Serampore, Chandernagore, Chinsura, Nawadwip, Mayapur, Plass-ey, Behrampore, Murshidabad, Azimganj. The tourism authority will construct jetties, toilet blocks, cloak room, drinking water fountain, tourist reception centres and carry out river front beautification at these sites.

“While some parts of the project will be completed earlier, the entire work is expected to be over within two years. We will provide infrastructure and then leave it for the private players,” said Tourism Minister, Manabendra Mukherjee.

Gandhi advocated public-private-partnerships for maintaining and restoring the banks. “I want all the ghats to be like Belur. Private players should chip in their support,” he said.