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Several other initiatives are being undertaken to boost eco-tourism in the state. STS Lecha, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, said, “The government order to form an Eco-Tourism Development Corporation has already been issued. The Chief Minister at a meeting held with forest officials instructed them to activate this corporation, whereby the homestays scheme would be made more effective to strengthen the concept of eco-tourism as well as heritage tourism in the forest belts of the state.”
Uttarakhand Eco-Tourism Corporation Ltd will come with an initial fund of five crore rupees and will have 51% stake of the state government and the rest of the private firm. The Board of Directors of the company will have a minimum of three and maximum of seven Directors. While the Chairman will be an Additional Chief Secretary rank officer or Principal Secretary (environment), the responsibility of the Managing Director of the company will be with an Indian Forest Service Officer.
Dinesh Agarwal, Forest Minister, said, “We are trying to boost eco-tourism, link it with village tourism and develop small circuits near popular destinations to attract tourists to newer places in the state.”
Moreover, the eco-tourism wing of the Forest Department is making all efforts to promote its activity, ensuring involvement of maximum number of people. It has identified 32 eco-tourist circuits, which will be one of its kinds. These include 16 sites each in Garhwal and Kumaon.
Source: travelnewsdigest.in