Tourism, forest depts to work together

Ranchi: Jharkhand Eco Tourism Authority, which was formed in December, will be part of the tourism department. Rajeev Ranjan, joint director in the tourism directorate, said, "Chief minister Raghubar Das had suggested handing over the eco-tourism authority to the tourism directorate to streamline work." Ranjan said both tourism and forest departments would work closely on the Das government's pet eco-tourism project. The draft eco-tourism policy was approved by the cabinet last September. The forest department is currently managing three major eco-tourism circuits - Betla National Park, Palamu Tiger Reserve and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary."The concept of homestay tourism is also being explored which will create job opportunities for the locals,communities living the the vicinity of such pockets. Forest department is also planning to upgrade existing forest bungalows and rest houses." said Sukhdev Singh, principal secretary, forest, environment and climate change department."The integrated policy being hammered out will give the tourists option to go on hiking or trekking trails in addition to wildlife safaris which are common now. The concept of homestay tourism is also being explored which will create job opportunities for the local communities living the the vicinity of such pockets. Forest department is also planning to upgrade existing forest bungalows and rest houses." said Sukhdev Singh, principal secretary, forest, environment and climate change department. The policy envisions development of eco-cottages at these reserves in addition to developing integrated eco-tourism circuits for tourists who can be given a tour of various archaeological and historic sites spread in the vicinity of these wildlife reserves. The decision, taken by chief minister Raghubar Das during a meeting, asks for JETA to be housed in tourism directorate. The state forest department will be asked to depute some officers to JETA for streamlining operations of the authority.The government is in process of preparing a framework for promoting eco-tourism in the state's forests and sanctuaries. The road map for developing wetlands, like Udhwa bird sanctuary, Tilaiya, Massanjore and Maithon dams will be sketched after consultation with officials of two departments.