Keeping in mind the rich floral and fauna in the region, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has stepped up efforts to promote Eco-Tourism in the state on a grand scale. The aim is not only to lure tourists, but also jack up efforts for conserving wildlife and nature on the lines of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat, according to a report by Faiz Rahman Siddiqui in The Times of India.
Highly-placed government sources said, "Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has evinced keen interest in the subject. Besides developing new sanctuaries in the region,
the existing ones would also be given a face-lift on a large scale. In fact, the UP government has already given its final nod to start work on a Lion Safari at Fisher Forest area in the CM's hometown of Etawah." A senior district official said, "Under the Eco-Tourism project, we have been asked to submit a master plan of several projects to promote Eco-Tourism in districts rich in floral and faunal wealth, including Etawah, Mainpuri, Kannauj, Etah and Agra". The Eco-Tourism project, which will be developed by the state's Forest and Wildlife, Tourism and other government departments, is envisioned to be equipped with world-class facilities along the National Highway passing through the region and would be used by tourists and locals alike. Eco-Tourism is a potential resource for creating awareness for protection of forests and wildlife and generating revenue. It would also help generate employment for youth in various districts, said another senior district official. "We believe that the locals, who are well-versed with local wildlife, should also be involved in the projects. These projects would not only attract tourists, but also help us bring local hunters and their children, who are presently earning their livelihood through illegal activities, into the society's mainstream," said Dr Rajiv Chauhan, Secretary, Society for Conservation of Nature.
Click here to see the original article>the existing ones would also be given a face-lift on a large scale. In fact, the UP government has already given its final nod to start work on a Lion Safari at Fisher Forest area in the CM's hometown of Etawah." A senior district official said, "Under the Eco-Tourism project, we have been asked to submit a master plan of several projects to promote Eco-Tourism in districts rich in floral and faunal wealth, including Etawah, Mainpuri, Kannauj, Etah and Agra". The Eco-Tourism project, which will be developed by the state's Forest and Wildlife, Tourism and other government departments, is envisioned to be equipped with world-class facilities along the National Highway passing through the region and would be used by tourists and locals alike. Eco-Tourism is a potential resource for creating awareness for protection of forests and wildlife and generating revenue. It would also help generate employment for youth in various districts, said another senior district official. "We believe that the locals, who are well-versed with local wildlife, should also be involved in the projects. These projects would not only attract tourists, but also help us bring local hunters and their children, who are presently earning their livelihood through illegal activities, into the society's mainstream," said Dr Rajiv Chauhan, Secretary, Society for Conservation of Nature.