West Benagal govt. to revive Chandannagar’s French legacy
The West Bengal government has signed an MoU with the French Embassy to restore colonial-era heritage sites in Chandannagar, beginning with the renovation of the historic Registry Building. This initiative is part of a broader plan titled 'Little Europe across the Ganges' to preserve and promote the Dutch, Danish, and Portuguese architectural legacies in the region.
Why it matters
The project serves as a significant cultural diplomacy effort that aims to boost international tourism while preserving the unique Indo-European architectural history of West Bengal.
The West Bengal government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the French Embassy to restore Chandannagar’s colonial-era heritage and promote the town in Hooghly district as a major international tourism destination.
The project will begin with the renovation of the Registry Building, which used to be the main administrative office of the French rulers.
Chandannagar was once a French settlement. While the French left in 1950, the architectural heritage of the town continues to draw tourists. As part of a three-day celebration from September 11 to 13 to mark the initiative, a series of cultural programmes are being held across the riverbanks, with Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh and French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou attending the events.
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