Hyderabad: Eco-tourism development in Telangana should proceed under a comprehensive action plan to create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s tourism sector, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju directed officials on Tuesday.
The Chief Secretary chaired a high-level review meeting at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat to assess eco-tourism development, tiger conservation and the development of tiger reserves. Senior officials from the Forest and Tourism departments attended the meeting and briefed him on the progress of ongoing initiatives.
Sanjay Jaju said Telangana has significant potential to expand eco-tourism while generating employment for young people and increasing state revenue. Accordingly, he asked officials to prepare development plans for Kinnerasani near Bhadrachalam, the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in the Srisailam-Nallamala forest region, the Kawal Tiger Reserve along the Godavari river basin, and eco-tourism destinations in Adilabad and Mulugu districts.
He instructed departments to fully utilise funds allocated under Central government schemes for eco-tourism projects. Further, he said Telangana’s rich forests, biodiversity and natural landscapes should support sustainable tourism through a coordinated development strategy.
Eco-tourism development to focus on tiger reserves
Sanjay Jaju said public-private partnerships could accelerate eco-tourism development while creating employment and contributing to economic growth. He also directed officials to prepare suitable projects under the partnership model.
The Chief Secretary asked the Forest Development Corporation and the Tourism Development Corporation to work together on infrastructure development. In addition, he directed officials to promote eco-tourism in Future City, Ananthagiri, Vikarabad and urban areas around Hyderabad.
He instructed departments to protect ecological balance while developing tourism infrastructure in forest areas in accordance with existing regulations. Meanwhile, he asked officials to improve visitor facilities and create employment opportunities for local youth.
Tourism Special Chief Secretary Vani Prasad, Chief Secretary Ahmed Nadeem, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vinay Kumar and other senior officials attended the review meeting.