Rajasthan mulls eco-tourism policy

A draft on eco tourism policy has been prepared in Rajasthan. The draft, which is still under government consideration, aims at ensuring optimum utilisation of the rich biodiversity of natural resources, cultural heritage and nature-related historical sites for the socio-economic development of the state.

"Rajasthan has been attracting domestic and foreign tourists to its national parks and wild life sanctuaries in large numbers but there is a lot of scope for tourism in the hills of the Aravallis and Vindhyas," a senior forest department official said, adding, "looking at this a draft policy has been prepared".

He said the draft aimed at promoting nature tourism and generating economic returns to strengthen protected areas and provide economic benefits to local people.

The forests in the state have tremendous tourism potential. It is felt that the development of "green tourism or eco-tourism" will not only increase tourist arrivals in the state but also earn sizable foreign exchange and generate employment for the rural and tribal population of the state.

Tourism has over the past decade has emerged as the key sector in the state.

Over 30 per cent of the foreign tourists to the country visit the state every year. Rajasthan has two tiger projects, a bird sanctuary and 25 wildlife sanctuaries, besides 32 closed areas. These protected areas offer good opportunities of eco-tourism.