Eco-Tourism Prospects and way forward in Telangana

K M Dayashankar

HYDERABAD, JUNE 22, 2024: The Government of Telangana held a pivotal meeting today to discuss and enhance its Eco-Tourism Policy, focusing on both tourism development and forest protection. Telangana has huge potential to develop eco-tourism and also to generate employment opportunities to the local communities dependent on forest. In this connection, under the directors or Hon’ble CM, a consultative committee to develop tourist circuits in the state was formulated vide G.O.Ms.No.14, EFS&T (For.IV)Dept., dt.14.03.2024.

The high-level session took place at the Secretariat in Hyderabad and was chaired by Minister for Forest Konda Surekha. The meeting saw active participation from senior government officials, environmental experts, tourism industry leaders, and wildlife NGOs.

The core aim of the meeting was to devise a sustainable and integrated eco-tourism strategy that harmonizes the growth of the tourism sector with the imperative of forest conservation. The policy seeks to position Telangana as a top-tier eco-tourism destination by leveraging its diverse natural landscapes and rich biodiversity.

The Minister for Environment & Forest opined that the development of eco-tourism circuits linking major wildlife sanctuaries, forests, and natural reserves will offer unique and immersive experiences. Investment in eco-friendly infrastructure, including sustainable lodging, renewable energy sources, and green transportation options, keeping in consideration the forest and wildlife laws will be made possible by bringing in an “Eco-Tourism Policy”.

The Principal Secretary, EFS&T Dept., while addressing the committee had mentioned to involve local communities in eco-tourism projects to ensure they benefit economically and socially. Strengthening measures to protect wildlife habitats and preserve biodiversity through stringent regulations and active monitoring. Promotion of sustainable tourism practices that reduce environmental impact, such as waste management, water conservation, and minimalistic travel.

The PCCF, HoFF has stressed that unless local communities protect and conserve our natural habitations & wildlife, sustaining a whole some growth of ecological Bio diverse wealth will not be possible. Similarly unless people across different cross sections have an opportunity to explore and cherish natural wealth of forests and wildlife, it would be impossible to generate public responsibility towards preservation and perpetuation of forests and bio-diversity in the state.

However the committee made several suggestions for providing safeguards and sustainable and non-exploitative SOPs for a responsible and nature positive eco-tourism policy for the State of Telangana.

It was broadly recommended that the eco-tourism projects in forest areas  shall be managed by a separate division in TGFDC. TGFDC Eco-Tourism under brand “Deccan Wood s and Trails” shall be the executive agency private investments as well as partnerships among Govt., Depts., for investing in Tourism Projects will be equally encouraged.

Ecotourist Places will focus on nature and the adventure tourism in consonance with natural habitat conditions with time & spatial access conducive to free thriving wildlife.

Development of digital tools and mobile apps to provide tourists with comprehensive information and facilitate eco-friendly travel planning was discussed. Encouragement of public-private partnerships to drive investment in eco-tourism was also dwelled up on. It was decided to submit a draft policy based on above discussion to the Government for approval.

The following circuits are identified for phase 1