Integrated Sahara Tourism Circuit (ISTC) has been conceived as integrated infrastructure project in tourism sector where functions, infrastructures and destinations have been networked with vertical integration of functions and horizontal linkages with destinations. This ISTC project is first of its kind in the country using “Circuit” route for providing adequate hassle free infrastructure for Transfer- Transport- Transit facilities under ‘ONE ROOF ’concept through convergence of resources. ISTC project has been designed in line with Govt. of India’s National Policy on Tourism, which accords infrastructure status to this Circuit Concept of development of tourism facilities in the country.

Sahara India has already undertaken & completed International/ National Market Survey, Rapid Environment Impact Assessment (REIA), and Location Survey & Layout Plan. Master Plan and Theming on various destinations around Sunderbans and Kolkata. The Techno-economic Feasibility Studies have been completed and the Report is under preparation.

Appropriate & latest technological inputs have been provided for communication, security, environment protection, eco-friendly power sources and Socio-economic development in the region. Based on Market Survey analysis and projected tourist load, sufficient floating and land-based accommodations have been provided in the Master Plan.

State Government has already carried out joint survey at these locations in Kolkata, Sagar Island, Frazergunge, L-plot, Kaikhali and Jharkhali Islands around Sunderbans. The in-principle approval from various State Government Departments is under processing, the land area to be provided for development of land based facilities at these location have been finalized and the Memorandum of Understanding with State Government has just been signed for allocation of the land to this project. A part of the land cost will be converted into State Government’s equity in the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be formed by Sahara India Pariwar.
The planning phase will commence immediately after signing of the MOU with State Government and the same will be completed by end March, 2003. By this time, physical possession of land is expected to be handed over to the project and all statutory approvals from State and Central Govt. Departments shall be obtained.

The implementation phase for Sunderban Sub-circuit will commence from April, 2003 and shall be completed by end of 2005. Sahara India Pariwar does not envisage any delay in the project due to the active participation of State and Central Government and its National importance.
The Teesta Valley Sub-circuit development will commence during mid-2005 and shall completed by end 2006.

Sahara India Pariwar sincerely intends to team up with State and Central Government to boost Tourism in the country by providing world class infrastructure and destinations in India which will not only attract outbound Indian Tourists but will also provide destinations for foreign Tourist visitations in the country.The Integrated Sahara Tourism Circuit (ISTC) project shall later be extended to link SAARC and International Tourism Circuits and will play an important role in development of tourism in this part of the world.
TECHNICAL INPUTS ON ISTC PROJECT IN WEST BENGAL
Environment Protection / Management Plan

Adequate measures have been provided for land use plan, development, construction, visitation load, use of eco-friendly material, forest conservation, soil conservation, effluent / solid waste disposal / conversion, water harvesting, Air / Water / Noise pollution in conformity with Forest Conservation Acts, Wildlife Protection Acts, Coastal Regulation Zone Act, Biosphere Reserve Act and other environment protection norms application in Sunderban / Teesta Valley region. 
Power Sourcing & Supply System

All the power and energy required for the land based facilities & activities have been designed from non-conventional and forest compatible sources like Solar Photo- voltaic Cells, Solar Thermal Source, Wind Turbo Generators, Silent Diesel Generators, L.P.G. Gas, etc.
Communication / Security System

VSAT Communication technological inputs have been provided for all destination to destinations, point to point communication, mobile telephony, internet services, weather forecasting and integrated remote area security system in coordination with Border Security Force, Coast Guard, River Police and State Govt. administration, etc.
Transportation System

Adequate capacity of Catamaran, luxury launches, hovercrafts, mobile petrol boats & supply mobile barges have been provided for river transportation and luxury bus coaches, luxury rail coaches and helicopters are the other mode of transport system provided for surface & air transport.Sahara’s fleet of Aircrafts from Air Sahara will also be provided for Tourists travelling by Air for intercity transfers.
Socio-economic Package

Adequate measures have been provided for Socio-economic development through use of local produces, self-employment opportunity, information / communication assistance to local fishermen, honey collectors, application of Arts & Culture, healthcare, participation in security system and application of local folks in activities/ visitations.
Accommodations

Based on Market Survey analysis and compatible with prevailing national/ international tourism products 50% floating and 50% land based accommodations have been considered at the Techno-economic feasibility stage. Tourist load visitations to various core area destination have been kept within 1500 tourists per day in conformity with ecologically fragile zone”.

PRESENT STATUS / SCHEDULE FOR ISTC PROJECT 
(SUNDERBAN SUB-CIRCUIT)

FEASIBILITY PHASE-ALL THE FOLLOWING RELATED ACTIVITIES COMPLETED

• Concept Plan
• Feasibility Studies
• Market Survey
• REIA/EMP Studies
• Master Plan
• Land Survey 
• Theming 
• Land Scaping
• Macro Planning
• Techno Economic Feasibility Report

Govt. Approvals / Participation related to Project proposal-Government of India

• Approvals for infrastructure status in conformity with National Policy facilitating various benefits
• Approval on Forest Conservation Act, CRZ Act & Biosphere Zone Act.

• Nodal Agency Responsibility
• Financial Participation 
• Grant-in-aid
• Joint participation in maintaining Forest Conservation and developing visitation facilities (Tiger Rescue Centre) for tourists at the core areas.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION &COMPLETION PHASE-

Considering ‘O’ date as April, 2003 (i.e. completion of land acquisition), the project is scheduled to be completed progressively within 33 months from ‘O’ date i.e. completion by December, 2005 as committed by Sahara India in the last Press Meet at Kolkata.