Hooghly, 23 September (H.S.): The administration and local representatives have initiated steps to develop Debanandapur in Hooghly, the birthplace of noted Bengali writer Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay, into a more attractive and well-developed tourist destination.

Several programmes have been organised this year around Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay on the occasion of his birth centenary. Against this backdrop, efforts are now being made to highlight the historical importance and heritage sites associated with the writer in Debanandapur.

A few days ago, West Bengal Minister of State for Tourism Purnima Chakraborty visited Debanandapur and inspected several sites associated with Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay. Discussions were also held on plans to develop the area into a more attractive tourist destination with improved facilities.

As part of the follow-up initiative, a delegation led by Chinsurah MLA Subir Nag visited the Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay Memorial Library in Debanandapur on Wednesday. Discussions were held on preserving the sites associated with the writer, improving infrastructure and giving Debanandapur greater prominence on the tourism map.

The delegation included Chinsurah MLA Subir Nag, the BDO, SDO, the Pradhan and Deputy Pradhan of Debanandapur Gram Panchayat, local representatives and other prominent members of the area.

The delegation also visited the Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay

Memorial Library and the historic Pyari Pandit's Pathshala, associated with the writer. The present condition of the heritage sites was reviewed, and discussions were held on measures to make them better preserved, more attractive and visitor-friendly.

Local residents believe that developing tourism infrastructure while preserving the heritage of Debanandapur, the birthplace of Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay, could help expand the area’s tourism potential in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey