JK seeking initiatives for promotion of eco-tourism

Srinagar Aug 10 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department has formulated a comprehensive Management Action Plan for promotion of eco-tourism.

The chief wildlife warden said the Wildlife Department, in collaboration with Tourism Department of Karnataka would undertake training and capacity building of staff, tour operators, wildlife guides, bird watchers and the locals involved in management.

He said the government has notified about 16000 sq km under the Protected Area Network (PAN) comprising five National Parks, 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 35 Conservation Reserves for a management plan. The experts of Karnataka have already visited the National Parks, Sanctuaries and wetland of Kashmir valley and Jammu region.

He said the experts have submitted this interim report, wherein proposals for creation of various facilities for eco-tourism viz construction of huts, tentage of accommodation, nature trails, trekking, view points, bird watching, nature drive, safari drive and nature interpretation centre among other been suggested.

The Chief Wildlife Warden has said that the team of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Karnataka, comprising four experts headed by Chief Naturalist S Kartik also visited Leh last week for surveying the eco-tourism potential of Hemis High Altitude National Park, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tso-Moriri, Tsokar and Pangong lakes and other potential eco-tourism areas.

UNI BAS SBC GC0945