New Delhi, May 5 (Inditop.com) There is no proposal to ban tourism in tiger reserves in the country but it will be strictly regulated, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said Wednesday.
He said the ministry is working on detailed guidelines for promoting eco-tourism – tourism that is ecologically sustainable and is in line with the carrying capacity of tourists in a particular reserve.
“My attention has been drawn to some news reports that the ministry is planning a ban on tourism in tiger reserves. I would like to state categorically that there is no such proposal. But in 39 tiger reserves in the country, tourism will be strictly regulated,” he said in a statement here.
Pointing out that tourism is essential, Ramesh said: “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. The communities should be encouraged to develop a stake in the protection of these tiger reserves.”
He expressed concern over danger posed by mushrooming tourist lodges around tiger reserves, especially the Corbett National Park.
The tourism ministry also issued a statement that “there is no proposal to stop tourism activities in tiger reserves”.
“Tourism ministry lays emphasis on development and promotion of tourism on a sustainable and responsible basis, safeguarding the environmental interest as laid down in the National Tourism Policy 2002,” the statement said.
