Denying certain news reports, Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/c) said in statement that tourism in the 39 ‘Project Tiger' reserves will be strictly regulated. Following is the text of the statement:-
“My attention has been drawn to some news reports that the Ministry of Environment and Forests is planning a ban on tourism in tiger reserves. I would like to state categorically that there is no such proposal.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests believes that tourism is essential and that the revenues from tourism must flow back directly into the management of each of the tiger reserves so that local communities can benefit. The advantages of tourism should be felt by these local communities who should be encouraged to develop a stake in the protection of these tiger reserves. This policy of ploughing back is already in place in most reserves and it will be in place in all ‘Project Tiger' reserves very soon.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has been concerned with the reports of mushrooming tourist lodges around tiger reserves such as in the case of Corbett National Park. That is why the Ministry of Environment and Forests is working on detailed guidelines for promoting eco tourism, i.e. tourism that is ecologically sustainable and is in line with the carrying capacity of the particular reserve. Tourism in the 39 ‘Project Tiger' reserves, particularly in the core areas, will be strictly regulated."
Read the original report here.
