E-Paper
Eco-tourism policy in the offing
THE STATE Government has decided to draft an eco-tourism police in a bid to open new vistas of self-employment along with developing a sense of protecting the forests and the wild life in different parts. Work on comprehensive policy in this regard is underway. It is pertinent to mention that the State has for the first time has decided to promote eco tourism, which was popular in Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and other states.
THE STATE Government has decided to draft an eco-tourism police in a bid to open new vistas of self-employment along with developing a sense of protecting the forests and the wild life in different parts. Work on comprehensive policy in this regard is underway. It is pertinent to mention that the State has for the first time has decided to promote eco tourism, which was popular in Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and other states.
The State Government has entrusted the responsibility of framing the detailed eco-tourism policy to the Chief Wild Life Warden and former Zoo Director at Kanpur Mohammad Ahsan. The policy was expected to come in shape by the end January next year.
The sources said that the idea behind developing eco-tourism policy was to bring out people from “concrete jungles” to natural forests to ensure, they relish their pleasure trips. Studies have revealed that more and more tourists were now attracted towards the forest life than living in big luxury hotels and were visiting surroundings near the big cities.
Under the eco-tourism policy, the tourists would have the privilege to live in tent-houses in the forests or near the forest areas to enjoy the nature in its true spirit. They would be supplied popular food of the local area. Besides, they would have an opportunity to interact with local people to learn their culture and life style.
However, the entry to the places under eco-tourism would be restricted, the sources said. Till the tent-house accommodation or other type of residential infrastructure was not developed near the eco-tourist spots, local people would be encouraged to provide “home-stead” (Paying guest facilities) to the visitors at a nominal charge. This would help the local people to get self-employment and to earn their living without going out of their places. All their family members could be engaged in the “hospitality” business, the sources said.
However, there would neither be hotels or inns made of cement and bricks in the areas expected to be brought under the policy. Visitors would have to stay in hutments generally found in the areas surrounded by the forests and natural beauties. The sources said that so far, no specific areas were identified for developing the eco tourism spots. Once the policy was framed, an eco tourism development board would be constituted, which would identify the forest areas to be converted into tourist places and to provide facilities there. It is believed that the eco-tourism would not only help the people in getting jobs but it would also grow love for natural surroundings more especially for the wild animals and birds among the people, the sources said.
