Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmauri said that State Government was committed for exploiting eco tourism potential available in the State and various incentives and facilities were being provided for the purpose. He was presiding over a review meeting of Eco-Tourism Promotion here, today. Bharmauri said that while promoting eco-tourism it would be ensured that precious environment of the State was not disturbed. He informed that 23 tourist spots had been identified in the State under eco-tourism which would be provided with special facilities for the tourists like eatables, sanitation, controlled transport and tourist guides etc. by ensuring participation of the local youth. Besides, possibilities would also be explored to provide appropriate funds under Skill Development Allowance and MNREGA schemes etc. for imparting training to the local youths.
Forest Minister stressed to identify eco-tourism circuits and directed the officers to submit report in this regard at the earliest. He also underlined the need for encouraging religious and adventure tourism in the State. Vice-Chairman H.P. State Forest Development Corporation, Shri Kewal Singh Pathania said that services of consultants should be taken for the promotion of eco-tourism in a systematic and planned way. He also suggested for studying eco-tourism model of Bangalore and infrastructure facility created in Uttranchal for the development of eco-tourism in the State. Principal Secretary, Forest, Shri Tarun Shridhar, Principal Chief Conservator and Head of Forest Force Shri R.K. Gupta, Managing Director Forest Development Corporation Shri J.S. Walia, Principal Chief Conservator (Wild Life) Dr. Lalit Mohan, Additional Principal Conservator Shri Avtar Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator Shri S.S. Negi and other Officers of the department were present in the meeting.