The Tamil Nadu government has come out with a new eco-tourism policy aimed at conserving ecology by prescribing standards for hotels and other stakeholders.
The new policy lays down penal measures for violation of regulations at tourist sites, encourages public-private partnership model to mobilise investment in tourist infrastructure and has the broad goal of making the state a world-renowned tourist destination specialising in sustainable tourism.
Among the recommended measures are prevention of use of plastic and other non-bio-degradable products around water bodies, parks, zoos and reserves, and engaging local communities.
According to an official statement, priority would be given to development of places close to existing tourist spots to minimise the need for new infrastructure. Suitable eco-tourism destinations would be identified and tied up with the existing circuits.
