New Trekking Policy to come up in Uttarakhand
With the aim of promoting trekking and mountaineering in Uttarakhand, the government is going to formulate an integrated policy. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, in a meeting of the high-powered committee on eco-tourism under the Forest Department at the Secretariat on Monday, instructed officials to finalize the draft of the integrated policy and submit it to the government by January 15th.
He also directed them to engage with private stakeholders to avoid practical difficulties that might arise after the policy is implemented. He emphasized working towards opening new peaks for trekking, stating that all formalities, including environmental audits, should be completed for this purpose. An SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) will be issued soon in this regard.
Action Plan for 10 Identified Sites to be Prepared within a Month
The Chief Secretary said that the state has immense potential for eco-tourism. He said that while exploring the possibilities of eco-tourism, sites should be identified and developed to create an ecosystem conducive to eco-tourism.
He emphasized implementing the Jabarkhet model at other identified sites as well. He also said that District Forest Officers (DFOs) should be given targets to ensure timely completion of this work, outlining how they can promote eco-tourism in their respective areas. He directed that the action plan for the 10 identified sites be prepared and submitted to the government within a month.
Eco-Tourism Development Board to be Strengthened
The Chief Secretary also emphasized creating a better mechanism for conducting tourism activities within forest areas. He said that the responsibility for managing these activities could be given to the Eco-Tourism Development Board.
He also spoke about strengthening the board, increasing its manpower, and making budgetary provisions for it. He also directed the Additional Secretary of Forests to create a new head of account for the board so that grants can be provided to it. An MoU will be signed soon to ensure that the operation of eco-tourism sites is managed through the board.
