Rajasthan works on developing eco-tourism

Jaipur, May 20 (UNI) Rajasthan has set its sight on developing eco-tourism in the state with Rs eight crore central funds.

The state has earmarked 126 eco-tourism centres which can be enriched with nature trails, special watch towers, green walkaways to attract more tourists to the state.

In a recent meeting of tourism officials, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), forest officials, several proposals were put forth which included constructing nature walkaways in Jhalana - a mountainous region in Jaipur and Galtaji, a religious cum forested area near Jaipur.

RTDC chairman, Rakesh Saini, told UNI " Although we have received the Rs eight crore from the Centre, the actual development of eco-tourism in the state will take some time as it involves the forest department. Sanctions are required and infrastructure development will take some time before the project finally takes off. A lot of co-ordination is required between the tourism and forest departments." Giving a time frame of a year, Mr Saini, said " We are hoping the various projects in the 126 different eco-centres of the state are complete by year-end, which can ensure tourist arrivals in summer season as well." There were discussions on many proposals including replenishing the forest cover of the state, A further growth of greens, conserving the sanctuaries especially Tal Chappar for endangered black bucks, Darra and Sawai Madhopur, upgrading the Nahargarh Rescue Centre and also improving the existing facilities for tourists in the state.

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