- Department of Tourism

RFP for High End Eco Resort at Jhadkhali
Volume III
DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH END RESORT ON PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AT
Jhadkhali
The Gateway to Sunderbans
CONTENTS
Introduction
The Sunderban
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The Jhadkhali Eco Tourism Hub
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Current Offer
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INTRODUCTION
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Introduction
The Indian tourism sector is experiencing a phase of rapid growth, driven by a flourishing middle
class, increased spending by domestic and foreign tourists, development of infrastructure and
support of the Government.
The state of West Bengal is endowed with all the diversities of nature and is a tourist’s dream.
From the arid Chhotanagpur plateau region in the west, forests in the north and south, mountains
in the north, sea beaches in the south and rivers crisscrossing the whole of the state the varied
panorama offers the discerning traveller a wide choice and caters to the requirements of varied
travel segments.
West Bengal is a complete representation of the Indian subcontinent. Darjeeling, referred by many
as the Queen of Hill Stations, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway declared as a World Heritage
Site, the vast tea estates of the Dooars, the famed Royal Bengal Tiger of Sundarban, the
innumerable historical landmarks of India’s and Bengal’s glorious history are all wonders for the
prospective tourists.
The Government of West Bengal is committed to the development of Tourism and is keen to
invite private investment in the sector.
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Opportunities for Investment
The Government of West Bengal is desirous of promoting
West Bengal as an ideal tourist destination. The State
Government is keen to attract investments from established
international investors and is committed to provide a
conducive environment for investment. A PPP Policy is
already in place and the State is working towards developing
a shelf of bankable projects.
The Jhadkhali Eco Tourism Hub is one of the highest priority
project of the Government of West Bengal in the Tourism
Sector
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THE SUNDARBAN
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The Sundarban
Located in Eastern India on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Sundarban is one of the worlds most
unique and beautiful Ecosystems. Sundarban, the largest delta in the world, consists of 10,200 sq
km of Mangrove Forest , spread over India (4200 sq km of Reserved Forest ) and Bangladesh
(6000 sq km approx of Reserved Forest ) and is also the largest Mangrove Forest in the world.
Sundarban has been attracting tourists from all over the world in increasing numbers. The
vastness of the water spread, the magnificent mangrove forests, hundreds of resident and
migratory birds, cats, crocodiles and the Royal Bengal Tiger form the spectrum of its living
resources.
In 1997, the Sundarban (literally translated as beautiful forest) was declared as a World
Heritage site recognizing the exceptional biodiversity of the region.
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The Sundarban
Sunderbans, the world's largest estuarine forest and delta covered by mangrove forests and vast
saline mud flats is situated on the lower end of Gangetic West Bengal. A land of 54 tiny islands,
criss-crossed by innumerable tributaries of the Ganges that was once infested by Arakanese and
Portuguese pirates is now the abode of varied flora & fauna population. Sunderban is bound on
the west by river Muriganga and on the east by rivers Harinbhahga and Raimangal. Other major
rivers flowing through this eco-system are Saptamukhi, Thakurain Matla and Gosaba.
Unlike other wildlife parks, where roads, jeeps & guides provide a semblance of control, here
visitors will find themselves holding their breath and stiffening to a state of alertness as their
boats glide through the creeks and rivulets, bordered with primeval mangrove forest sheltering
the most unimaginable dangers in its impenetrable undergrowth. A unique region where there
are no borders to divide fresh from saline water, river from sea.
With a little luck one may experience a salt water Crocodile sunbathing in the mud; a flash in the
corner of your eye could be Deer running into the forests. Most famously, however, this
protected area is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. There are strategically placed watch towers
from which, fortunate travellers may get the opportunity to observe the regal beast in its natural
surroundings, a thrill that can only be experienced first-hand. Incidentally, these watch towers
may be reached only through corridors covered in protective net fencing.
You can explore the wildlife of Sunderban that harbours Jungle Cats, Fishing Cats, Axis Deer,
Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkeys, Mongooses and the largest Estuarine Crocodiles in the world.
Sunderban is the breeding ground of immense variety of birds like Heron, Egret, Cormorant,
Fishing Engle, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Seagul, Tern, Kingfisher as well as migratory birds like
Whimprel, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Eastern Knot, Curlew, Sandpiper, Golden Plover,
Pintail, White-eyed Pochard and also Whistling teal. Come and discover wide variety of aquatic
and reptile life forms that include Olive Ridley sea turtle, hardshelled Batgur Terrapin, Pythons,
King Cobra, Chequered Killback, Monitor and Lizards including the Salvator Lizards.
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Uniqueness of Sundarban
The Mangrove Forests is one of the few remaining strongholds of the majestic Royal Bengal
Tiger. The creeks of Sundarbans form the home of Estuarine Crocodile, Salvator Lizard (Water
Monitor), River Terrapin, Horse Shoe or King Crab, turtles like Olive Ridley, Green Turtle and
Hawk's Bill Turtles.
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Uniqueness of Sundarban
Sundarban offers splendid wild life habitat supporting 333 species of plant, 400 species of fishes
and 425 species of wild life among which there are 49 species of mammals, 315 bird species, 53
reptiles and 8 amphibians
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Uniqueness of Sundarban
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THE JHADKHALI ECO TOURISM HUB
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The Jhadkhali Eco Tourism Hub
Project Concept
The project is being designed to be a eco tourism hub which shall act as the Gateway to
Sunderban which is one of the most beautiful and attractive tourist destination of the world.
The features of the site which is in the form of an island with water channels, rich flora and
fauna offers a variety of possibilities. which has been incorporated in the master plan.
A range of tourism products which have been carefully designed to suit the sensitiveness of the
area has been proposed, The project is to be developed strictly on the principles of eco tourism
as laid down in the bid document.,
Project Components proposed include a High end eco resort, Star Category Eco Resort, Budget
Category Eco Resort, Fisherman Village, nature park, tourism amenities, jetties, fishing area,
Craft Village with amphi theatre etc.
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The Jhadkhali Eco Tourism Hub
Accessibility
Jhadkhali is
located around 140 km far from Kolkata International Airport. The nearest
Railway station is Canning Railway station which is located at a distance of 42 km. The site is
connected with Kolkata through the Basanti Main Road. Given its connectivity with Kolkata
and the location on the edge of the Forest, the site offers the opportunity of being the entry
point to Sundarban as well as a Tourism Hub on its own. It would be possible to connect the
site through water channel from Canning to Jhadkali giving the project site a high level of
connectivity.
The Project Site is directly connected by road which makes it an unique destination in
Sundarban
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The Jhadkhali Eco Tourism Hub
Project Site
The site is an island surrounded by shallow water channels. The total site area is around
99 acres out of which land area is around 49 acres. The Island also includes three shallow
creeks which divides the island in major four parts.
Topography of the Island is primarily flat. The site being located just 200 meters away
from Herobhanga river, amidst possesses immense scenic beauty.
Climate
Although the region is situated south of the Tropic of Cancer, the temperature is equable
due to its proximity to the sea. Average annual maximum temperature is around 35 C .
Average annual rainfall is 1920 mm. Average humidity is about 82% which is more or less
uniform throughout the year.
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The Jhadkhali Eco Tourism Hub
Strategic Location
As mentioned above, the project site is among the few locations in Sunderban which can be
accessed directly by road. The project is uniquely positioned to allow access to all the major
tourist destinations in the region:
Tiger Reserve
The prime tourist attraction of Sunderbans is its tiger reserve, where the great Royal Bengal
Tigers are sheltered. There, nature lovers can catch a glimpse of the day-to-day activities of these
tigers, from a distance.
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project is a hatchery and a sanctuary of Sunderbans. The biggest
estuarine crocodiles can be found here, which is the highlighting feature of this tourist attraction.
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The Jhadkhali Eco Tourism Hub
AJNEKHALI WATCH TOWER
This watchtower is the most popular among all watchtowers because of its proximity to
most of the resorts in the Sundarban area. and is also the Head Office of the Forest
Department. Permission to enter the Sundarban Tiger Reserve is required to be obtained
from here. This watch tower has a capacity to host 20 persons at a time. There is also a
Mangrove Interpretation Centre, a Bono Bibi Temple as well as a Crocodile Park in the
Sajnekhali watchtower complex. This watchtower provides one with the opportunity to
view wildlife from close quarters. The most sought after sights by a bird watcher are
seven colourful species of the Kingfisher, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Plovers, Lap-Wings,
Curfews, Whimprel, Sandpipers and the occasional Pelican. The West Bengal Tourism
Department Corporation’s Tourist lodge is also situated at Sajnekhali
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The Jhadkhali Eco Tourism Hub
Halliday Island
Located south of Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, Halliday Island is thronged by tourists, every
year. The last retreat of the Barking Deer can be found here. Apart from this, travelers can
also check out Lothian Island Wildife Sanctuary, which is a must-visit place for bird
watchers.
Piyali
Travelers on their way to Sunderbans can stop at Piyali, a beautiful small town, and
explore the lifestyle of its inhabitants. It is the best place to chill out, when you are on
your way to explore the rich, dense forest of Sunderbans.
Kanak
Kanak is a safe haven for Olive Ridley Turtles, which thrive in its shallow waters and
beaches. These turtles, during their breeding season, approach the beaches of Kanak, from
distant places located around Sunderbans.
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CURRENT OFFER
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On Offer
A high end eco resort having minimum 25
air-conditioned luxury cottages,
air-
conditioned restaurants, spas and waiting area confirming to the standards of a
minimum four star hotel resort to be developed over the identified five acre land. The
project is being offered on a Design, Build, Finance , Operate & Transfer Basis with a
total Concession Period of thirty two years with one renewal option of another thirty
years.
A Bankable Concession agreement based on the Model Concession Agreement with clear
Termination Rights has been proposed and included in the Bidding Documents. The
project is to be implemented by the successful bidder confirming to the stipulated
development guidelines and other terms as proposed in the bid document Details of the
bid document and formats to be filled in are provided in the bid document
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Envisaged Development
Minimum No of Rooms
30
High End Spa
1
Banquet
Min 50 pax capacity
Children Play Area
Restaurants
Two
(One of the
restaurant shall cater to
local cuisine
Other Facilities
Travel Desk
Excursions
Nature Walk
Minimum Investment
Rs 20 crores
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For queries
Chandana Roychowdhury
Head Urban (E& NE)
IIDC Limited
11, Dr U N Brahmachari Street
Kolkata 700 017
[email protected]
Fax: 03322835002
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