The minister at the premiere. A Telegraph picture

Siliguri, Sept. 22: State forest minister Ananta Roy has welcomed film producers to shoot in the reserve forests of north Bengal. “We will provide the necessary sanctions after studying the proposals that may come along,” he said.

Speaking on the issue for the first time since taking charge of the department four months ago, his words could be taken as tacit support for filming in the forest reserves at Gorumara, Buxa, Jaldapara, Chapramari, Chilapata and Mahananda. Recent films like Mr and Mrs Iyer and Abar Aranye have already been shot in these locations.

The minister, who hails from Cooch Behar, was later asked what areas his department was laying stress on. “Social forestry, the formation of self-help groups among forest people, and eco-tourism are priority areas,” he said.

Asked about recent reports of army personnel felling trees, Roy replied he had heard about it. “We are looking into it. The chief minister has been told about it and he has expressed concern.”

The minister made these remarks while talking to reporters after the inauguration of the all-India premiere of Boudi Mor Ma, the third feature film to be shot in the Rajbanshi language, at Miloni Cinema Hall in Bagdogra today.

“This regional language feature film, premiered on the occasion of Mahalaya, is an encouraging development,” Roy said in his address. “It should persuade people to leave their TV sets and view feature films on the big screen.” He added it was a big challenge to shoot the film in north Bengal, where technical facilities and necessary infrastructure are still inadequate.

The film was shot in various locations in and around Siliguri in two phases. The cast includes well known names in the Rajbanshi circuit, including Binota Burman, Pradip Singha, Chhabi Roy and Rekha Chhetry.