UK river body plans Hoogly recast

The report will be formally handed over by Geroge Nicholson of LRA to the chief minister during the 10-day UK & Kolkata Festival, to be organised by British Deputy High Commission from December 12.

The report will outline the possible strategy to regenerate the heritage building and structures in Kolkata. It will also recommend the ways to beautify the riverfront on both sides of Hooghly.

During the period, the state government officials will meet the members of the LRA and discuss the issue. Senior officials of Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT), which owns the land on either side of the river, are also expected to participate.

BDHC is also organising an workshop on the subject during the festival. Andrew Hall, British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, said apart from a workshop on 'Investing in the UK', another business workshop on 'Environment and Water' during the period.

"The workshop will bring together British Environment and Water Companies along with key people from West Bengal from both the public and private sectors for an interactive session," he added.

Elaborating on the festival Hall informed over a thousand artists and performers from India, UK and Trinidad would present cultural programmes at the 'Kolkata Karnival' which would be one the signature event of the festival.

Apart from cultural and business events, open-air quiz contest, photography exhibition, film festival and a cricket match between UK and Kolkata would also be organised.

"The 10-day extravaganza is being held to showcase contemporary Britain in the city and strengthen the deep relations that exists between Kolkata and the UK," Hall noted. The event would be inaugurated by Buddhadeb Bhattacharya in the presence of the new British high commissioner to India Michael Arthur at the Millennium park on the banks of Hoogly.

"We are bring together internationally renowned carnival organisers and performers, blend these with local artists and performers and bring the streets alive with karnival Kolkata style," he added.

The carnival, to be produced by UK-based Kinetika and choreographed by noted Indian danseuse Tanusree Shankar, would use the Maidan near Victoria Memorial for its grand finale.