Chandigarh, May 23- The Haryana Government is promoting the concept of Eco-tourism on a large scale in the state as it provides an economic incentive to conserve community culture, natural environment and cultural heritage.
This was stated by Capt. Ajay Singh Yadav, Finance, Irrigation, Forest and Environment Minister, Haryana while addressing the people after laying the foundation stone of Rajiv Gandhi Herbal Park and Eco-Tourism project at Masani Barrage, near Dharuhera, district Rewari to be developed by Haryana Forest Department.He said, “Eco-tourism is a potential resource for creating awareness in the development and protection of forest and wild life. It has tremendous potential for employment and as such it acts like an engine for sustainable growth. It will also increase the influx of foreign tourist in the state, besides conserving local culture and environment. It will also provide a platform for international interaction through the visiting tourists from other states of India.”
There has been immense growth of Eco tourism in India. Haryana Forest Department has taken a lead in developing the very beautiful nature camps at Thapali, Lal Munia Rest House and Morni Fort in Panchkula district and Kalesar, Bansantor, Herbal Park Chuharpur in Yamuna Nagar district, he added.
Capt. Yadav said that the Eco-Tourism project at Masani Barrage would be a futuristic project to develop world class Eco-Tourism facilities along National Highway-8 for the public, domestic and international tourists. The project envisaged the setting up of a herbal conservation park, log huts, nature trails, yoga and Ayurveda center children park, dining facilities, interpretation center, tree houses and water bodies. The center would also cater to the need of corporate houses, educational institutes manpower training in the field of environment management and conservation. Once completed, the project would be a major attraction for tourists, foreigners and the local public.
The Minister said that the project had been named after former Prime Minister of India, late Mr Rajiv Gandhi who was the symbol of development and progress. He envisioned the development of the nation through information technology, strengthening of grass root democracy, women empowerment, youth affairs, education and conservation of environment.