Eco-tourism policy to be finalised

Minister of Forests and Environment Konda Surekha directed the officials of the Forestry department to finalise the eco-tourism policy so that there is no harm to the environment, employment is provided to the locals, and it would benefit the forest department.
As part of designing the eco-tourism policy, Minister Konda Surekha held a review meeting in the conference hall of the office of the Ministry of Forests, Telangana State Secretariat on Tuesday.
The Minister said, “In today’s adverse conditions, we are committed to protecting the environment and bringing an effective eco-tourism policy towards providing a better environment for the coming generations. Water tourism has been given priority as a part of eco-tourism, just as temple tourism has been given priority.”  While the officials explained to the Minister that 30 to 40 sites have been identified in this direction, she instructed them to give priority to environmental-friendly sites under the forest department.
The officials explained the eco-tourism policies implemented in Karnataka and Odisha to Minister Surekha. She directed them to formulate a policy suitable for the conditions of the Telangana region as a medium to the policies implemented in these two states.
It was suggested to implement the programmes in PPP mode.
They have been advised to create apps and websites to provide all the information of eco-tourism spots and online booking facility to the tourists. In order to reduce environmental pollution, priority should be given to electric vehicles in tourism spots.