TN forest minister calls for eco toursim among Southern states

Bangalore, Sep 20 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Forests Minister N Selvaraj today urged for setting up of an eco-tourism circuit in southern states to fully tap the potential offered by the region.

Addressing a two-day conference of Forests Ministers of southern states here he said the new circuit covering all the southern states could be developed adequately to suit the convenience of the tourists.

''Supporting infrastructure for accommodation, catering, guides, transport and other facilities could be provided as per a prescribed norm with reservations being made possible in any of the states,'' he said.

He said that the promotion of eco tourism in southern India would create an awareness of forests besides wild life promoted.

He also suggested for setting up of a coordination cell for southern states in Chennai for transmitting of information and monitoring follow up action regarding the issues concerning the partipant states.

Such a cell could have officers at the level of conservators of forests drawn from all the southern states and be equipped with the latest communcications equipment, he said.

Mr Selvaraj urged the conferecce to pass a resolution asking the Centre and financial institutions to contribute to improve the life standards of tribals and forest dwellers.

He also urged for the emulation of a new scheme introduced by TN for growing of trees on private barren lands at the national level.

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