Emphasizing the need to balance ecology and economy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday announced that eco-tourism will be actively promoted around forest areas in the state. Speaking at a meeting of the State Wildlife Board held at the Secretariat, Mr. Dhami directed officials to prepare a comprehensive 10-year action plan to strengthen the connection between forest conservation and economic development.
Highlighting the forest-rich nature of the state, the Chief Minister stressed that the Forest and Finance Departments must take concrete steps to link forest wealth with livelihood opportunities for local communities. He called for better utilization of forest rest houses to attract tourists and increase revenue, without compromising environmental integrity.
The meeting approved 23 proposals for the transfer of forest land for various developmental activities, with 20 of these related to mining within a 10-km radius of protected areas. These proposals will now be forwarded to the National Board for Wildlife for final approval. Two road-related proposals will be examined further.
Addressing the issue of increasing human-wildlife conflict, Mr. Dhami underscored the need for effective mitigation strategies and instructed officials to implement a digital tracking system for timely compensation to affected individuals. He also asked for the swift completion of the proposed zoo and safari in Haldwani and the renovation of the iconic Chaurasi Kuti within the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
The Chief Minister also urged for innovation in forest management and the development of new eco-tourism destinations to sustainably harness the biodiversity of the state.
Forest Minister Mr. Subodh Uniyal echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of continuous efforts to integrate forest resources with livelihoods and to diversify eco-tourism offerings in the state.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Mr. Banshidhar Bhagat and Mr. Diwan Singh Bisht, Principal Secretary Forest Mr. R.K. Sudhanshu, DJP Mr. Deepam Seth, Forest Department Chief Dr. Dhananjay Mohan, Chief Conservator of Forests Wildlife Mr. R.K. Mishra, Secretary Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, Mr. Neeraj Khairwal and other senior officials and board members.
