Telangana to promoteeco-tourism: Surekha

The state will be developed as a front-runner in eco-tourism, Forests, Environment and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha said.
Addressing a meeting of the Eco-Tourism Consultative Committee held at her office in the secretariat, she directed officials to work on a comprehensive action plan to ensure eco-tourism projects are environmentally friendly and do not harm nature.
The meeting approved the final draft of the eco-tourism policy, which will be sent to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for final clearance.
Surekha emphasised the need for well-planned, eco-friendly projects that foster a balance between nature and human activity, stating that many villages would be transformed into eco-villages, preserving their cultural heritage and promoting local traditions.
She also asked officials to create a website that highlights Telangana’s eco-tourism spots, promoting it as a brand.
She also proposed that tourists visiting eco-tourism spots plant trees as part of a larger green initiative and suggested converting these areas into study tour centres.
Eco-tourism circuits were discussed in detail, with officials providing a comprehensive presentation on their unique features.
Several other key decisions were made during the meeting. The Telangana Forest Development Corporation (TFDC) will serve as the nodal agency for the implementation of the policy. An Eco-Tourism Project Screening Committee will be established to approve projects, and funds will be raised from various sources, including the Centre and CSR contributions.
The involvement of private agencies in the management of eco-tourism centres will also be explored, as directed by the Minister.