The Baul Bitan Centre, the largest greenfield property of West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited (WBTDCL) in the district, situated about five kilometres away from Tagore’s abode of peace, Santiniketan is all set to be inaugurated by chief minister Mamata Banerjee during her next official visit to Birbhum district.

Set amidst the picturesque backdrop in Sian, the site was selected by tourism minister Indranil Sen. The Baul Bitan Centre, is the brainchild of CM Mamata Banerjee and is all set to be the next tourism attraction in Santiniketan.

The Birbhum zilla parishad has been supervising the construction of the Baul Bitan Centre set up at a cost of Rs 19 crore on 10 acres of land.

Talking to The Statesman, Koushik Sinha, additional district magistrate (ADM) of Birbhum zilla parishad has said that the Baul Bitan Centre will consist of 32 cottages, an auditorium which will accommodate about 100 people, cafeteria, open auditorium, akharas (residences) for Baul singers, swimming poll, haat (marketplace) to sell local handicrafts etc.

The cultural heritage of Santiniketan have been depicted while constructing this Baul Bitan Centre and auditorium. To make it more attractive to the tourists, the zilla parishad has also added adventure and eco-tourism, rural wellness projects, along with cultural promotional centres.

“To make the communication even better the zilla parishad is constructing a pucca road from the main road to the Baul Bitan Centre and the construction work is going on in full swing,” added Mr Sinha.

The serene locality, far from the crowded city, is the star attraction. Birbhum zilla parishad sources said that the final touches are on and will be inaugurated by the chief minister during her next official visit to the district.

Last September, Santiniketan bagged the World Heritage Site status from UNESCO. The Poush Mela and the Basant Utsav are two of the biggest annual cultural heritage festivals organised here and attract lakhs of people from India and abroad every year.

The state forest department is also planning to set up a mini-zoological park near Santiniketan. CM Mamata Banerjee has also set up a Baul Academy in Kenduli.