Services of tribals to be enlisted to promote eco tourism

In its efforts to promote eco tourism, Tamil Nadu government has decided to develop two forest locations in the district and enlist the services of tribal people as 'eco-guides.'
Under the government's new initiative 'Tamil Nadu Bio Diversity and Greening Project', the focus on developing eco tourism will initially be at Kalikesam and Pechiparai sites.
At Kalikesam, provision of eco tourism infrastructure has already begun. Kani tribals living in 47 settlements and who know the topography very well, would act as guides to nature lovers and also provide food to them. A select few among them would be trained to act as eco-guides

The state government had sanctioned Rs 80 lakh to develop eco-tourism, the main features of which would include coracle ride, 'eco-huts' for camping, awareness centre, nature trails, river bathing and eco-canteens.
All this would help develop forests, wildlife and also attract nature lovers, according to the project report.
Kanyakumari District Forest Officer Vismiju Viswanathan said the initiative is completely a community based eco- tourism model.
Eco-tourism earnings will be used for camp maintenance, conservation of eco-system and for tribal community development, he said.
Work is proceeding at 'Zero Point' as well and it will be launched in two to three months. Kalikesam will have coracle ride and Pechiparai bamboo rafting, he added.