Kolkata, 21 December (H.S.) :
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Saturday leveled serious allegations against the West Bengal government, stating that despite being one of the world’s most beautiful regions, the Sundarbans has suffered due to the state’s failure to ensure its development, promote tourism and create employment opportunities for local residents.
The Union Minister was on a visit to the Sundarbans, where he chaired an important meeting on wildlife conservation, environment and climate change. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Yadav questioned the role of the state government in unlocking the region’s vast potential.
Bhupender Yadav said the Centre has been consistently providing funds for the development of forest and ecologically sensitive areas. Referring specifically to the Sundarbans, he noted that the region is globally renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity, and also holds immense scope for tourism-driven growth and livelihood generation.
He said large-scale promotion of eco-friendly tourism in the Sundarbans could significantly improve employment prospects for local communities while simultaneously strengthening wildlife conservation efforts. However, he alleged that the West Bengal government has not shown seriousness or initiative in this direction.
The Union Minister further claimed that instead of planned development, incidents of illegal encroachment are increasing in the Sundarbans region. According to him, continuous encroachments by local vested interests are causing damage to the environment and posing a threat to wildlife habitats.
Emphasizing the Centre’s commitment, Bhupender Yadav said that irrespective of the steps taken by the state government, the Union government remains determined to ensure the development and protection of the Sundarbans. He stated that the Centre aims to develop the Sundarbans as a model region and make it one of the most beautiful, sustainable and well-protected ecological zones in the world.
The Union Minister reiterated that conservation, development and livelihood generation can go hand in hand if there is strong political will and coordinated efforts, adding that the Centre will continue to work in that direction for the future of the Sundarbans and its people.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
