Nainital, May 29(ANI): The Uttarakhand government is taking steps to endorse eco-tourism by building small bamboo huts and providing rich flora at botanical parks for tourists' visual treat.
The state's forest department has developed a cactus garden and a bamboo hut at the Himalayan Botanical Garden on Kaladhungi Road in Nainital.
Eco tourism is being promoted in Uttarakhand, as a part of the 'Green India' mission, which is a ten-year plan and is divided into six to seven phases.
"In this state, eco tourism is being promoted with the help of Chief Minister and is under the 'Green India' mission and the 'National plan of action and climate change'. The Green India mission is a plan of ten years and I am a part of this committee and I have been handed over this huge responsibility," said R.B.S. Rawat, chief conservator of forests, Uttarakhand.
"In 2011-2012, we have to promote eco tourism in Uttarakhand and all the Himalayan regions. The plan is mainly divided into six or seven phases," he added.
The newly developed cactus garden, which was inaugurated on May 23, displays a unique collection of 90 varieties of rare cactus plants.
The plants are housed in a dome-like structure that has been designed to gather maximum sunlight, while protecting them from harsh weather conditions.
Apart from that, the bamboo huts have been constructed with the sole purpose of providing shelter to tourists, who come to visit this park. The huts are located in a serene environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The botanical garden is spread on a sprawling 35-hectare area and houses rare medicinal plants, which are of keen interest to conservationists.
There are provisions for nature trails and bird watching in the park. Besides, there are plans to construct a butterfly park, herbarium, library and a fern house, along with other facilities.
This is a unique project in Uttarakhand, which has used reclaimed and degraded land for providing awareness on Himalayan environment.
According to environmentalists, Leh, Ladakh and Uttarakhand are all favourable spots for eco tourism.
"Uttarakhand is itself very rich in flora and fauna. Leh, Ladakh and Uttarakhand are places where eco tourism can boom," said Naveen Verma, an environmentalist.
The Eco tourism wing of the Uttarakhand government has been created for promoting eco tourism activities in the state, especially in the forest area.t seeks to make policies and provide funds for various eco tourism projects and provide a framework for promotion and development of eco tourism in the state. (ANI)
|
|
Read More: Nainital
Comments:
