Forest tourism likely to become the next big travel trend soon, as tourist destinations — Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand — are working towards enhancing the same. By Tanvi Jain
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Minister of Forest, Youth Services & Sports Himachal Pradesh, Rakesh Pathania during his recent visit to Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh, informed the forest authorities, that protecting forests and promoting forest tourism are his top priorities, as it will contribute towards boosting the economy and will also add revenue to the state exchequer.
He also reportedly said that forests have a huge potential and their protection will help enhance flora and fauna in the state.
Reports further suggest that he hinted on preparing a book of best forest destinations which will include nature parks, rest houses, forest huts, etc. for travellers to explore the western Himalayas.
He further conveyed during his interaction with the forest authorities, that the protection of forests will be the first duty of every forest officer which will include dealing strictly with any kind of encroachment on forest land.
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Post the meeting, Pathania also visited Sameerpur village, where he met former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal. He also confirmed that he will soon visit the national capital to meet BJP president JP Nadda and other senior leaders, along with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar to discuss his plans for enhancing forest cover in Himachal Pradesh.
Moreover, as per a recent media report, Uttarakhand has kickstarted the process of creating city forests of 10 to 50 hectares each, across all its eight municipal corporations, in an attempt to build green covers in the cities. The regions that have reportedly been identified so far for the same include Nainital, Dehradun, Bageshwar, Almora, Champawat, and Pithoragarh.
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The initiative comes as a part of the Nagar Van Scheme announced by Javadekar on World Environment Day i.e. June 5. The scheme aims at developing at least 200 city forests across India in a period of five years.
Furthermore, the state is also reportedly all set to develop the first Snow Leopard Conservation Centre in Uttarkashi forests. The same will be done by the Uttarakhand Forest Department along with the UNDP.
Meanwhile, in a report published last month in downtoearth.org, the latest Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) brought out by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, has ranked India at the third position among the top 10 countries that have gained forest areas in the last decade.
Related: #SomeGoodNews: 200 Urban Forests Will Be Developed In India Under The Nagar Van Scheme
