Chief minister Mamata Banerjee virtually inaugurated Parijayi, a cafeteria at Jharkhali wildlife sanctuary this afternoon.
Birbaha Hansda, the forest minister, was present when she virtually inaugurated the cafeteria from the meeting at Habra.
The Directorate of Forest has partnered with the Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage (KSCH) to open the cafeteria.
The all women-run cafeteria is situated within the arena of Jharkhali wildlife sanctuary in Sunderbans area.
The cafeteria will be run by women belonging to a self-help group under the supervision of KSCH.
Ms Hansda lauded the initiative and said this would inspire local women to come forward and become self-sufficient through SHGs.
The cafeteria stands on 3,000 square feet and can accommodate 60 people at a time.
KSCH has already trained women in Sunderbans to manufacture paper plates and mangrove plantations. Parijayi cafeteria has provided jobs to 60 women, organized into eight SHG clusters.
Sourav Mukherjee, the founder of KSCH, said, “We are committed to ensure the success of Parijayi. Beyond providing employment we aim to create a vibrant cultural hub where tourists can savour authentic Sunderbans delicacies and purchase local products like forest honey and patachitras.” The KSCH will provide subsidies to the SHGs till it reaches its breakeven point, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable community development.”