Local guides for Hill tours

Kalimpong, Nov. 21: The WBFDC (West Bengal Forest Development Corporation) is initiating a plan to introduce trained locals as nature guides from December. It means that now tourists will not have to search helplessly for guides with an extra bit of local knowledge.

Divisional Manager of WBFDC, N.S. Murli, said that the plan is in tune with the concept of ecotourism which helps local people to gain employment. This will ensure their involvement in the conservation of natural areas. So far, 32 people have been trained to recognize different species of birds, trees and medicinal plants and herbs along with some specialized training in hospitality management.

At the moment four tourist destinations have been chosen for the purpose: Lava, Loleygaon, Suntaleykhola and Samsing.

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