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According to a PTI report, the West Bengal government has comprehensive plans to develop tourism infrastructure in places like Belpahari and Jhargram in West Midnapore and Bankura districts, in order to offset Maoist influence. Speaking on the sidelines of the 72nd Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) in Kolkata recently, Manabendra Mukherjee, Tourism Minister, West Bengal said, “In areas like Belpahari, Jhargram, Bankura, Santiniketan and Burdwan, we plan to develop infrastructure by inviting small investors. We will invite small investors to provide facilities like tents where tourists go, but prefer to return the same day because of lack of facilities.”

Mukherjee said that the intention is to make tourists stay in those places for two to three days and also visit nearby places. Work has already begun in Jhargram in West Midnapore district. He said that the state government has identified areas in the dense forests of Jhargram, including Maoist infested Chilikagarh.

Nawang Rigzin, Tourism Minister, Jammu and Kashmir who was also present on the occasion, invited tourists to visit his state.  The three-day Fair (July 11-13, 2009) is being attended by over 250 participants, including representatives from 26 states and nine countries- Bangladesh, Mauritius, Bhutan, Dubai, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Switzerland and Thailand. From here, the fair proceed to Gujarat.