Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania presided over the meeting of Forest Department to explore the possibilities of eco-tourism and development of eco-tourism in the State. He said that there is immense potential of eco-tourism in the State and by promoting tourism activities in forest area would increase the revenue of the State.He said that the State Government is giving special emphasis to development of infrastructure from tourism point of view during the Covid-19 period. Eco-tourism would be promoted through web portal so that maximum people get to know of various forest tourism sites of the State. He said that tent facility would be provided near forest rest houses in remote areas to promote eco-tourism.
Rakesh Pathania said that possibilities of eco-tourism camping villages would be explored and will be developed from tourism point of view. The department would utilize forest destination places for various activities such as bird watching, trekking, etc. and local people would be associated with it, so that their economy could also be strengthened.Forest Minister also directed the officers to develop the lakes of the State from tourism point of view.Additional Chief Secretary Forest Sanjay Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator Forest Ajay Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator Wildlife Dr. Savita and Additional Chief Conservator eco-tourism Dr. Sanjay Sood were also present in the meeting.