Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission

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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission

The State Planning Commission was constituted in Tamil Nadu on 25th May 1971 under the Chairmanshipof the Hon’ble Chief Minister as an Advisory body to make recommendations to the Government on variousmatters pertaining to the development of the State. The Chairman of the Commission is assisted by a teamof Members, Consisting of Vice Chairman, Full Time Member & Part Time Members who are experts invarious fields. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Planning, Development and Special Initiativesand the Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department are the ex-officio members. The MemberSecretary is responsible for administration in the Commission.

The Commission has the following technical divisions:

1. Agricultural Policy and Planning

2. Industries, Power and Transport

3. Land Use

4. Education and Employment

5. Health and Social Welfare

6. District Planning and Rural Development

7. Plan Co-ordination.

Main activities of SPC:

The Major Functions of the State Planning Commission are as follows:

1. Preparation of Five Year and Annual Plans based on the policies and priorities of the Government;

2. Undertake Mid Term review of the Five Year Plan, other special reviews on the Economy and advise theGovernment on appropriate modification and restructuring of the schemes;

3. Monitor development indicators that influence the Human Development Index, Gender DevelopmentIndex, etc., at a disaggregated level and suggest correctional measures;

4. Undertake special studies as required for formulation and implementation of plan projects andprogrammes;

5. Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board (TNSLURB) is functioning under the chairmanship of ViceChairman, State Planning Commission as a permanent body in the State Planning Commission. ThisBoard is intended to promote interaction and study in the vital areas of land use. The State PlanningCommission organizes seminars/workshops and undertakes studies.

6. Human Development Reports (HDRs) were prepared for Dindigul, Sivagangai, Tiruvannamalai,Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, the Nilgiris, Kanyakumari and Dharmapuri districts. The concept of HumanDevelopment has been disseminated to all districts through workshops organized in the concerneddistricts. Proposal for preparation of District Human Development Reports (DHDR) for the remainingdistricts is under process.

7. State Balanced Growth Fund (SBGF) is operated to bridge the regional imbalances among the districts.

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S.No Details Page No.

1 Workshop Team 4

2 Workshop Session 5

3 Executive Summary 6

4 Introduction 8

5 Session I – “Eco-Tourism potential in Tamil Nadu Forest 15Department by Thiru.Limotoshi, I.F.S., Conservator ofForests (Bio Diversity Conservation), Tamil Nadu.

Session II – “Karnataka State Forest Department share in 31Promoting the Eco-Tourism in Forest Areas” by Mr.Yuvaraj,General Manager, Karnataka State.

Session III – “Eco-Tourism Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh” 37by Thiru P.V. Ramana Reddy, IFS, CCF, Hyderabad

6 Recommendations / Outcomes 43

7 List of Participants 47

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Workshop Team

Tmt Santha Sheela Nair, I.A.S., (Retd.)Vice Chairperson, SPC

Dr. Sugato Dutt, IFS.

Member-Secretary, SPC

Thiru K. Kumaresan,

Head of Division, Education and

Employment Division.

Thiru A.Ramaiah,

Planning Officer.

Education and Employment Division.

Thiru S. Boopathy Mohan

System Analyst

Thiru M. Paramasivan

Librarian

Dr. S.S. Ravichander,

Technical Assistant,


K. Ayyachami,

Planning Assistant,


Tmt. Dharmasamvardhani,

Private Secretary,

Education and Employment Division

State Planning Commission Departments

Thiru. Ao. Limatoshi, I.F.S.,

Chief Conservator of Forests

(Biodiversity Conservation) and

Member Secretary - Tamil Nadu

Biodiversity Board.

Mr.Yuvaraj,

General Manager,

Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.

(A Govt. of Karnataka Undertaking)

P.V. Ramana Reddy, IFS,

Chief Conservator of Forests,

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

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Workshop Session

Welcome Address Dr. Sugato Dutt, IFS.,Member-Secretary,

State Planning Commission

Presidential Address Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, I.A.S., (Retd.)Vice Chairperson,

State Planning Commission

Session I – “Eco-Tourism potential in Thiru. Ao. Limatoshi, I.F.S.,Tamil Nadu Forest Department” by Chief Conservator of Forests (Biodiversity

Conservator of Forests (Bio Diversity Conservation) and Member Secretary

Conservation), Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board.

Session II - “Karnataka State Forest Mr.Yuvaraj,Department share in Promoting the General Manager,

Eco-Tourism in Forest Areas” by Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.

Jungle Lodges and Resorts ltd, (A Govt. of Karnataka Undertaking)

Karnataka State.

Session III - “Eco-Tourism Initiatives in P.V. Ramana Reddy, IFS,Andhra Pradesh” by Conservator of Chief Conservator of Forests,

Forests, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

State Planning Commission Departments

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Executive Summary

Tamil Nadu has a Forest cover of about

23,625 sq. km, constituting 18.10% of its

geographical area. It comprises of Protected

Areas and Reserved Forests with

enchanting ecotourism assets like

Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes, Grass Land,

Shola Forest, Hill Station, Western Ghats,

Eastern Ghats, Mangrove Forest, Coral

Reef Island, Sea back Water etc. Existing

potential areas in Tamil Nadu are 10 Wildlife

Sanctuaries, 14 Bird Sanctuaries,5 National

Parks,4 Tiger Reserves,4 Elephant

Reserves,3 Biosphere Reserves,1

Conservation Reserve. They present an

attractive calling to tourist. These areas also

provide a unique opportunity to tourist for a

life changing experiences on perception

about the need to conserve Forest.

The Vision Tamil Nadu – 2023

document targets fast growth in all the

sectors including tourism. It envisages an

investment of Rs. 10,000 cr in tourism and

hospitality sectors through Government and

Private investments by 2023. The foreign

tourist arrivals targeted for 2023 and 2017

is 15 and 7 million tourists respectively from

the present 4 million tourists. Infrastructure

for tourism includes development of hotels

and resorts, theme parks, entertainment

complexes, improvements to heritage and

archaeological monuments, development of

places of tourist interest and connectivity

to places of tourist interest. To achieve this,

a new tourism policy is being formulated. It

aims to attract higher spending tourist and

also investments in tourism and hospitality

related infrastructure.

The objectives of eco tourism Policy

of Tamil Nadu is to secure involvement of

local communities without adversely

affecting their cultural ethos, activities and

facilities are developed in consultation with

the communities without transgression into

community’s cultural sovereignty. Main

strategy is to involve the local communities

by way of employment in all tourism related

activities and priority will be given for areas

close to the existing popular destinations

and less known eco tourism spots.

World Bank Report (2006) estimated

that eco-tourism and other ecological

benefits from Joint Forest Management

areas alone in India could yield about $1.7

billion annually by 2020. It further adds,

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benefits will be about $6.00 billion for all

forest areas of India. With billions of dollars

in annual sales, eco-tourism is a real

industry that needs to be tapped. The

potential is enormous, when development

of eco-tourism destinations, eco-tourism

assets and eco-tourism services are taken

into account. It will also enhance

employment opportunities related to travel

and tourism. Scope for revenue generation

in eco-tourism is high but our response to

utilize them effectively in an eco-friendly

manner is important. Otherwise it has a

potential to destroy natural and cultural

resources. Generally to generate

substantial revenue in eco-tourism the

number of tourist visiting such areas has to

be large, which means more pressure on

eco system. Our Endeavour should be to

improve quality rather than quantity. Eco-

Tourism at limited level has the potential to

become a major driver of local economies.

Secondly it is said that a State monopoly in

ecotourism is not efficient. However, if

replaced by a more ruthless and efficient

private sector monopoly with short term aim

of profits and to satisfy investors will be

dangerous to ecosystem. With this back

ground, State Planning Commission has

conducted a seminar / Workshop on

“Revenue Generation through

Ecotourism - Potential and prospects

from Forestry Sector in Tamil Nadu” on

22.04.2014 at 11.00 AM in the State

Planning Commission Conference Hall.

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Promotion of sustainable eco-tourism

by integrating facilities at the Hill Stations,

Waterfalls, Forests, Bird Sanctuaries, Wild

Life Sanctuaries and National Parks for the

benefit of tourists. Various packages will be

developed to promote Eco-tourism in the

State on sustainable basis without causing

damage to environment and wild life. While

promoting eco-friendly destinations, the

carrying capacity of the destinations will be

taken in to consideration. The tourist

interpretation centres at each destination

will sensitize the tourists about cleanliness

and eco-friendliness. In eco-sensitive

destinations, green hotels / resorts will be

encouraged. Litter free zones and Waste

management will be the priority to keep the

tourist destinations clean. In all

developmental activities, the local

community will be actively involved to

ensure inclusive development.

Development of tourism in Forest

areas has always been a challenge to

Foresters, since such areas are ecologically

fragile and sensitive where forest dwellers

and tribal resides. Foresters are criticized

for being too restrictive to eco-tourism at

the same time civil society organizations

accused them of too liberal. It is critical to

note that such areas are protected at the

cost of local communities for conservation.

Nevertheless wildlife and forest tourism

have become increasingly popular among

the tourist. It gives a chance to the people

to see plants and animals in their natural

habitat and is a source of income to local

people and improves State economy.

Scope and Prospects

Tamil Nadu has a Forest cover of about

23,625 sqkm, constituting 18.10% of its

geographical area. It comprises of

Protected Areas and Reserved Forests with

enchanting ecotourism assets like

Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes, Grass Land,

Shola Forest, Hill Station, Western Ghats,

Eastern Ghats, Mangrove Forest, Coral

Reef Island, Sea back Water etc. They

present an attractive calling to tourist. These

areas also provide a unique opportunity to

tourist for a life changing experiences on

perception about the need to conserve

Forest.

The State is promoted as “Enchanting

Tamil Nadu” and has several tourist

Introduction

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attractions such as beaches, forests, hill

stations, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries,

pilgrimage and heritage locations as well

as the long and biodiverse coastline. The

Government of Tamil Nadu has its tourist

offices at several key tourist centres

including other state capitals such as

Mumbai, Kolkata, Goa and New Delhi. In

addition, there are tourist information

centres at Hyderabad, Thiruvanan

thapuram, Bengaluru and important railway

stations and airports. The key contributor

to Tamil Nadu’s tourism success is the

development of niche tourism segments.

For example, Tamil Nadu is associated with

three major segments: pilgrimage, heritage

and hill station holidays. The other important

segments are eco-tourism, adventure and

wildlife tourism. The state has a number of

attractions such as a long shoreline with

excellent beaches, temples and

monuments with ancient architecture,

popular hill resorts and sanctuaries, and

United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organizations’ (UNESCO)

declared world heritage sites. The State is

also South India’s gateway to leading

pilgrim towns such as Tirupati, Madurai,

Rameswaram and Tanjore. The following

are some of the key tourist destinations in

Tamil Nadu

� Pilgrim centres: Kancheepuram,

Madurai, Rameswaram, Tanjore,

Srirangam, Chidambaram,

Kanyakumari, Velankanni and

Nagore Durgah

� Hill Stations: Udagamandalam

(Ooty), Kodaikanal, Coonoor,

Yercaud, Yelagiri, Valparai, Javadu

hills, Kolli hills and Kothagiri

� Beaches: Chennai, Mahabalipuram,

Kanyakumari

� Wildlife sanctuaries: Vedanthangal

Water Birds Sanctuary, Point

Calimere Bird Sanctuary, Crocodile

Bank, Indira Gandhi Wildlife

Sanctuary, Guindy National Park,

Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary,

Pichavaram mangrove coast.

Tamil Nadu’s tourism industry is among

the largest in India. Tourism has the

potential to provide high level of local

employment. Tamil Nadu has considerable

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natural endowments that enable tourism as

an industry to flourish. Attractive segments

include beaches, hill resorts, architecture,

and heritage sites. Vision 2023 gives

significant thrust to the development of this

sector. Given that both Tourism and

Healthcare are thrust areas in the Vision

2023, medical tourism is a natural outcome

for Tamil Nadu. The Vision also envisages

attracting 15 million foreign tourists by the

year 2023. The investment is required for

Infrastructure for tourism includes

development of hotels and resorts, theme

parks, entertainment complexes,

improvements to heritage and

archaeological monuments, development of

places of tourist interest and connectivity

to places of tourist interest. The estimated

total investment in various projects amounts

to Rs. 10,000 crore.

World Bank Report (2006) estimated

that eco-tourism and other ecological

benefits from Joint Forest Management

areas alone in India could yield about $1.7

billion annually by 2020. It further adds,

benefits will be about $6.00 billion for all

forest areas of India. With billions of dollars

in annual sales, eco-tourism is a real

industry that needs to be tapped. The

potential is enormous, when development

of eco-tourism destinations, eco-tourism

assets and eco-tourism services are taken

into account. It will also enhance

employment opportunities related to travel

and tourism. Scope for revenue generation

in eco-tourism is high but our response to

utilize them effectively in an eco-friendly

manner is important. Otherwise it has a

potential to destroy natural and cultural

resources. Generally to generate

substantial revenue in eco-tourism the

number of tourist visiting such areas has to

be large, which means more pressure on

eco system. Our Endeavour should be to

improve quality rather than quantity. Eco-

Tourism at limited level has the potential to

become a major driver of local economies.

Secondly it is said that a State monopoly in

ecotourism is not efficient. However, if

replaced by a more ruthless and efficient

private sector monopoly with short term aim

of profits and to satisfy investors will be

dangerous to ecosystem.

Eco tourism- term coined by Ceballos

Lascurian in 1983. It is nature-based

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travel, Emphasis on conservation education

and development and management of

sustainable tourism product and activity.

World Tourism Organization defines

tourism that involves “travelling to relatively

undisturbed natural areas with specified

objective of studying, admiring and enjoying

the scenery and its wild plants and animals

as well as any existing cultural aspects

(both past and present) found in these

areas” The Eco tourism Society (TES)

defines Eco tourism is “responsible travel

to natural areas that conserves the

environment and sustains the well being of

the local people”

Desirable characteristics of Eco - tourism

� Site/destination development near

existing and known destinations.

� Focus on quality of visitor experience

and level of satisfaction rather than

actual numbers.

� Stipulation of certain standards in

terms of quality and safety.

� Least impact on environment and

local culture.

� Supply driven rather than demand

driven and small group oriented.

� Provide for learning for a visitor.

� Activities and facilities in consultation

with local communities.

� Multi stakeholder partnership and

coordination between agencies.

Strategies of Eco tourism

� Balance between viability and

affordability

� Focus on levels of Carrying capacity

� Stricter conformance to existing

environmental laws

� Technologically efficient systems and

clean development mechanism

� Close and careful monitoring

� Economic benefit to accrue to local

community.

Requirements of Eco Tourism

� Adequate, attractive and easy to

operate physical facilities blending

with nature.

� Locating roads, nature trails,

signage, observation towers,

reception centres, interpretation

centres to enhance visitor

experience.

� Eco techniques for supplementing

facilities – Solar energy, Rain water

harvest, Grey water recycling

Garbage recycling etc.

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� Pumping tourism revenue back into

area management.

Strength of Tamil Nadu for initiating Eco

Tourism ventures

� Diverse forest types with rich

biodiversity in Western and Eastern

Ghats landscapes.

� Large number of national parks,

sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries with

abundant wildlife population. (5 NP,

13 WLS and 14 BS)

� Long coast line with many unique

coastal formations like mangroves,

corals, coastal sand dunes,

backwaters. (1076 km)

� Well developed air and rail

connectivity besides extensive road

network.

Destinations for Eco Tourism

� Beaches, backwaters

� Hill stations, valleys, meadows,

forests

� Waterfalls, water bodies, rivers

� Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks,

safaris, nature trails

� Urban eco parks and Culture

including festivals

Activities / Products

� Rides- Vehicles, Elephants

� Trekking and Bird watching

� Boat, Coracle rides

� Cycling and mountain biking

� Adventure activities like rock climbing,

hang gliding, river crossing etc

� Bathing and Water sports like river

rafting and angling

� Any other activity that may be

specifically permitted

Eco tourism Policy of Tamil Nadu

� Objective is to secure involvement

of local communities without

adversely affecting their cultural

ethos.

� Activities and facilities are developed

in consultation with the communities

without transgression into

community’s cultural sovereignty.

� Main strategy is to involve the local

communities by way of employment

in all tourism related activities.

� Priority will be given for areas close

to the existing popular destinations

and less known eco tourism spots.

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Eco tourism guidelines for PAs

� Announced in June 2011.

� Contains a detailed set of framework

guidelines on selection, planning,

development, implementation and

monitoring of eco tourism in and

around PAs.

� States to develop State specific Eco

tourism strategies and Eco tourism

plans.

� Roles and responsibilities for

different stakeholders- State

Governments, PA management,

tourist facilities/tour operators, local

communities, temple boards and

general public.

� Dos and Don’ts

Investments required

� Development of necessary

infrastructure in selected sites.

� Publicity, Awareness creation,

Interpretation and documentation.

� Capacity Building and skill

development for stakeholders.

� Monitoring and Evaluation of the

Project outputs Administrative Costs.

Expected Outputs

� Tourist destinations and sites will be

developed with the required

infrastructure to initiate and sustain

eco tourism ventures

� Tourism- related activities will be

implemented through LEMCs

comprising of thousands of

households

� Women empowerment will be

catalyzed by promoting Self Help

Groups, to participate in the catering

related activities in the tourist

locations.

� Will boost the livelihoods of the local

communities.

� Forest Department will develop the

required integration and synergy

between the communities and

various other stakeholders to

achieve long-term sustainability of

the programme.

� Enhanced visitor satisfaction, which

would go for developing positive

orientation for forests and wildlife will

accrue.

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The First presentation was

delivered by Thiru.Ao.Limatoshi, I.F.S.,

Chief Conservator of Forests (Biodiversity

Conservation) and Member Secretary-Tamil

Nadu Biodiversity Board. This presentation

was highlighted about the Eco tourism

activities and revenue generation in detail

in Tamil Nadu.

Present status

Most of the Eco-tourism assets in Tamil

Nadu are under the control of Forest

Department. Eco-tourism assets may be

broadly classified under two categories.

I. Ex-situ ecotourism assets -

List of approved Zoos under Forest

Department.

Sl. No Name of the Zoo DistrictName of the

Reserved Forest

1. Arignar Anna Zoological Park Kanchipuram Vandalur

2. Kurumbapatti Zoological Park Salem Kurumbapatti

3. Amirdhi Zoo Vellore Amirdhi

4. Childrens Park Chennai Guindy

5. Trichy Zoo (Establishment stage) Trichy M.R Palayam

They are managed by Zoo Authority of Tamil Nadu (ZAT) with Chief Conservator of

Forests and Director, Arignar Anna Zoological Park as Member Secretary.

Session-1

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Table-2

Revenue Generated in Tamil Nadu

II. In-situ eco-tourism assets

a. List of destinations identified by Forest Department for promotion of ecotourism

in Protected Area. (Also listed in Eco-tourism Policy of Tamil Nadu)

Table -1

Number of Visitors in Tamil Nadu

Sl. Name of the Revenue realized

No Zoological Park 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

(in lakhs) (in lakhs) (in lakhs)

1 Arignar Anna Zoological Park 423.17 673.95 747.51

2 Kurumbapatti Zoological Park 15.55 17.54 19.32

3 Amirdhi zoo 0 5.20 9.58

4 Childrens Park 88.42 112.56 151.19

5 Trichy zoo (Estt.Stage) 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total 527.14 899.25 927.60

Sl.

Name of the Zoo No of visitors

No2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

(in lakhs) ( in lakhs) ( in lakhs)

1 Arignar Anna Zoological Park 20,02,545 22,12,131 23,75,053

2 Kurumbapatti Zoological Park 1,18,542 1,25,783 1,48,417

3 Amirdhi zoo 0 114941 1,03,391

4 Childrens Park 11,00,106 9,67,313 8,98,391

5 Trichy Zoo (Estt.Stage) 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total 32,21,193 34,20,168 35,25,252

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Sl. Circle District Division Destination Sites ActivitiesNo. features

1. Mudumalai Nilgiris Mudumalai Western Forests, WildlifeTiger Tiger catchment Grass lands, viewingReserve reserve Mukurthi Water Falls, landscape

Mukurthi National Park, Rivers, Trekking,National Park Mukurthi peak, Streams Forest stay,

fishing hut etc., vehicle ride2. Mudumalai Nilgiris Mudumalai Theppakkadu, Forests, Landscape,

Tiger reserve Tiger reserve Masinagudi, Falls Rivers viewpointsMoyar Singara, Trekking,Vazaho- Wildlifethottam, Sigur viewing,

Naturecamps,vehicle ride.

3. Anamalai Coimbatore Indira Gandhi Sethumadai – Elephant Trekking,Tiger Reserve Wildlife Top-slip- camp, Wildlife,

Sanctuary Kozhikamuthi Forests viewing,and National wildlifePark interpretation

center, ecocamp.

4. Annamalai Coimbatore Indira Gandhi Forest, Dams, Grass land, Trekking,Tiger Reserve Wildlife Rivers, Grass Landscape Photography

Sanctuary hills Shekelmudi Discovering Nature camp,and National Manamboly. and River nature trailpark course, etc., etc.,

5. Trichy Nagapat Nagapattinam Point Calimere Forest, back Bathing,tinam WL Division sanctuary and water, wildlife safari,

wetland mang-rove Birdcomplex watching,

Naturalcamp.

6. Virudhu Virudhu Grizzled Shenbaga Forest falls Trekking,nagar nagar Squirrel WLS thoppu - Bathing,

Alagarkoil - Wildlife,Mudaliyaroothu viewing,

Forest stay7. Kalakkadu Tirunelveli Kalakkadu Manimuthar Falls, Trekking,

Mundan and Mundan falls, Karayar forests, wildlife,thurai Tiger thurai WLS Dam. dam, river viewing,Reserve Banatheertham bathing,

falls. culturalMundanthurai tourism,

Nature camp

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b. List of destinations identified by Forest Department for promotion of ecotourism in

Reserved Forest. (Also listed in “Eco-tourism Policy of Tamil Nadu”)

Sl.Circle District Division Destination Sites features Activities

No

1. Vellore Vellore Vellore Amirthi/Kottaru Water falls, TrekkingWaterfalls in zoo Boating,Thellai RF Nature walks,

Birdwatching,Forest stay

2. Vellore Vellore Tirupattur Swamimalai in Highest TrekkingMangalam RF point in Nature trial

Elagiri hills,view tower,trekking path

3. Vellore Vellore Tirupattur Jalagamparai Water falls Trekking,falls in fort hills Boatingof Elagiri Cultural

tourism.

4. Vellore Tiruvanna Tiruvanna Javadhu Hills - Hill station, Trekking,malai malai – Midhi in valleys, nature trial,

Patrakkadu RF rivers forest stay.

5. Villupuram Villupuram Kallakurichi Kariyalur Central Jungle Coracle ride,Nursery Stream Stream Trekking

6. Villupuram Cuddalore Villupuram Pichavaram Mangroves Boat ride,mangroves back waters Bird

watching,Board walk,Eco camps

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7. Dharmapuri Dharmapuri Dharmapuri Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Bathing,

river, coracle ride,

Riverine trekking,

forest eco

awareness

camp.

8. Salem Salem Salem Yercaud Hills station Trekking,

Wildlife,

viewing, bird

watching,

nature camps.

9. Erode Namakkal Namakkal Kolli Hills Lake, Forest, Boating,

Waterfalls, Bathing,

temple Trekking,

Cultural

tourism,

Nature camps

10 Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore Pillur Dam River, Back Coracle ride,

water, Bathing,

Forest Trekking

11 Coimbatore Nilgiris Nilgiris Anaikatty Forest Trekking,

North Forest Wildlife

viewing,

Forest stay,

Nature camps

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12 Coimbatore Nilgiris Nilgiris Thengumarahada Forest, River Trekking,North Kodanad and Coracle ride,

Kallampalayam ecoawarenesscamp,Wildlifeviewing,view point

13 Coimbatore Nilgirils Nilgiris Avalanchi – Shola TrekkingSouth Koleri batta - forests, vehicle ride

Bhavaniamman temple, eco-camps,Koil and landscape culturalKorakundah tourism

14 Coimbatore Nilgiris Nilgiris Penstock near Forest, land TrekkingSouth Kundha scape Nature

camps,view points

15 Dindigul Dindigul Kodaikka Gundar falls Falls, shola Landscape,nal forests, falls view,

Grass lands Trekking16 Madurai Theni Theni Suruli falls Forests falls Bathing,

Trekking,Bird watching

17 Tirunelveli Tirunelveli Tirunelveli Courtallam, Forests falls, Bathing,Mekkarai MPCA Trekking,Gundar Dam herbal

tourism

18 Tirunelveli Kanyakumari Kanyakumari Maruthuva River Herbalmalai, Forests, tourism,Kannimaradai falls Nature camp,falls Bathing,

wildlifeviewing.

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Table-3

Number of Visitors in Tamil Nadu

Sl. Destination No of Visitors

No 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

1 Mudumalai Tiger Reserve,

Udhagamandalam 204514 110012 145059

2 Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi 673535 369916 583171

3 Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger

Reserve, Tirunelveli 244217 77064 199148

4 Point Calimere Sanctuary,

Nagapattinam 24733 28620 32265

5 Grizzled Squirrel Wild Life

Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur 261 501 382

6 Vedanthangal Bird Sancturary, 224576 212515 159361

7 Sathyamanagalam Tiger

Reserve, Erode 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total 13,71,836 7,98,628 11,19,386

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Table-4

Revenue Generated in Tamil Nadu

Sl. Destination Rupees

No. 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

(In lakhs) (In lakhs) (In lakhs)

1 Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, 30.68 105.42 237.76

Udhagamandalam

2 Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi 1.78 103.30 191.11

3 Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve,

Tirunelveli 3.61 14.73 36.04

4 Point Calimere Sanctuary,

Nagapattinam 5.23 4.60 5.24

5 Grizzled Squirrel Wild Life Sanctuary,

Srivilliputhur 0.04 0.07 0.06

6 Vedanthangal Bird Sancturary, 0.00 11.16 8.56

7 Sathyamanagalanr Tiger Reserve,

Erode 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total 41.34 239.28 478.77

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Sl.No. Particulars

Year

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

(in lakhs) (in lakhs) (in lakhs)

1 Ex-situ Visitors 32.21 34.20 35.25

Revenue 527.14 899.29 927.60

2 In-situ Visitors 13.72 7.99 11.19

Total Revenue 41.34 239.28 478.77

Table-5

Number of Visitors and Revenue realized

Comparision : Exsitu and Insitu

Important aspects in Eco-Tourism

A) Policy, Guidelines and Legal Frame Work

1) National tourism policy and guideline (1998)

� Recognizes the importance of wildlife areas as elements of eco-tourism.

� Accepts the role of indigenous and local communities in eco-tourism.

� An environmental pledge was formulated.

2. National Tourism Policy 2002

� Gave importance to eco-tourism

� Focus on improvement of Tourist facilities.

� Promotion of Tiger and Elephant as brand for wildlife tourism.

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3. Eco-Tourism Policy of Tamil Nadu

� Eco-Tourism Policy Provides strategicdirection to engage local communities,tourists, forest officials, Governmentand other stakeholders in promotingeffective eco tourism activities in theState resulting in conservation andpreservation of resources.

� The Eco-Tourism Policy outlinesspecific objectives, guiding principles,detailed strategies and a systematicprocess for assessment.

� Eco-tourism destinations in Tamil Naduwere Specified for development in aneco-friendly manner.

4. National Wildlife Action Plan (2002 2016)

� Regulated and low impact is vital as ithelps win public support for WildlifeConservation.

� Preparation of Tourism ManagementPlan for each Protected Area.

� Eco-Tourism to involve and benefitlocal Communities.

5. Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972

� Permits tourism in Protected Areaswhich should be according to sitespecific Management Plan approvedby the Principal Chief Conservator ofForests and Chief Wildlife Warden.

6. Forest (Conservation) Act 1980

� Prohibits Conversion of Forest land fornon-Forestry purpose except with the

approval of Government of India andHonorable Supreme Court monitoredCentral Empowered Committee.

� Eco-tourism is promoted in Forestareas since they support conservation.However Eco-Tourism activities shouldbe in an ecological and environmentfriendly manner as per approvedworking plan.

7. Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on Eco-Tourism in Tiger Reserves

� Hon’ble Supreme Court of India lifting

its interim ban on 16th October 2012,

tourism activities in the Core Tiger

Reserve area added.

� We make it clear that we have not held

the guidelines either intra-vires

(constitutionally valid) or ultra-vires

(unconstitutional).

� The Apex Court said the tourism

activities in the Tiger Reserve areas

should be strictly in accordance with

the notification issued by National Tiger

Conservation Authority on 15th October

2012.

25


� The court also directed the respectiveState Government to prepare the TigerConservation Plan within six monthsfrom today and submit the same to theNational Tiger Conservation Authority.

8) Normative standard for Tourism activities and Project Tiger

Guidelines 2012

� State Government should notify Statelevel Tourism and Eco-tourism strategy.

� State level steering committee shallreview its implementation.

� Revenue from eco-tourism in TigerReserve shall not go to the StateExchequer.

� Involvement of the Local People.

� Local advisory committee (LAC) shouldbe constituted by the StateGovernment.

� Each Tiger Reserve to prepare sitespecific “Tourism Plan” and should beapproved by LAC.

B) Well Defined Area of Operation andResponsibilities.

1) Protected areas and Reserved Forest

Community based eco-tourism sitesidentified and selected for promotion of eco-

tourism in protected areas and ReservedForest by the Forest Department in TamilNadu should be promoted and popularized.

2) Opening up of certain Forest areas

Certain forest areas which were re-afforested from abandoned mining sitesand degraded forest areas should bedevelop as world class eco-awareness,nature education, interpretation centres.These centre’s should be develop nearurban areas like in Chennai, Coimbatore,Trichy and Madurai. Forestry ExtensionCentres can also be upgraded to eco-awareness and interpretation centres.These centres should also provide anambient of relaxation for the tourist andvisitor’s to de-stress, improve mentalhealth, understand and admire nature. eg:-Nanmangalam RF (Kanchipuram Division)an abundant mining site comprising mostlyvegetation of artificially regenerated is anexcellent location for the people of Chennai.

3) Opening of certain areas outside Forest

Abandoned or unutilized godown,nursery sites and Forest rest house outsideforest areas should be developed as eco-camping site, or nature interpretation andeducation centre, resting place,accommodation facilities, etc. eg:- Alikulli

26


rest House (Tiruvallur Division) located

outside forest area unutilized, should be

developed as tourist facilities for eco-

camping or camping site for trekkers.

Students, eco-clubs, Nature lovers, etc. The

site is adjoining to Poondi reservoir, Alikulli

RF, successful red sanders plantation (40

years old) and Paleolithic age Giudium

caves located in Pulikundrum R F. It is an

excellent location for the people of Chennai

to enjoy and admire nature. Similar areas

are available in all the Forest Divisions in

Tamil Nadu.

4) Opening of certain areas in Forest corporations

There are three forest corporations in

Tami Nadu

1) Arasu Rubber Corporation (ARC)

2) Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation

Corporation (TANTEA)

3) Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation

Corporation (TAFCORN)

These corporations are located near

important Eco-Tourism destinations. Hence,

potential and vacant forest areas under their

control can be developed for eco-tourism

purpose. In fact Tea gardens, Rubber

plantations, factories and their rest houses

are of tourist attractions.

C. Establishment of “Eco-Tourismpromotion, awareness andmarketing centers”

1) Many people feel, they have a right to

enjoy nature and wildlife for

entertainment. In the process, many

tourist with no orientation on eco-

awareness and nature interpretation,

have little interest in nature, visit forest

for entertainment and thrill. Resultant

noisy and screaming tourist wearing

colorful dresses roam in the forest

causing irritation to wild animal,

harassing animal resulting sometimes

even to Man-Animal Conflicts and

polluting environment leading to chaos

and damaging ecosystem. Therefore

to enhance awareness about eco-

tourism a world class eco-awareness,

nature education, eco-interpretation

and nature recreation centre should be

established in Chennai, Coimbatore,

Trichy and Madurai. The reason is most

of the tourist both international and

national passes through these places

to visit wilderness areas of Tamil

Nadu.Exposure to such centre will

ensure tourist who are interested in

nature, wildlife and forest will visit

wilderness areas, casual tourist can be

discouraged.

27


2) These centers can provide training tostake holders on technical matter abouteco-tourism, biodiversity, flora andfauna, environmental and forest law,guidelines and eco-tourism policy bythe Forest Extension wing.

3. Educative and awareness programmeon environmental and Forest Law,Wildlife Protection Act, eco-tourismpolicy, Guidelines, waste management,risk management to officials of linedepartments, tourist, localcommunities, school and collegestudent can be promoted.

D. Development and Customization ofEco -Tourism Products.

1) Development of eco-tourismactivities according to differenttarget group.

a) School and College student

b) Family and Senior Citizen

c) Young Professional

d) Nature lover and Researchers

e) Foreign Tourist

f) Natural and Wildlife Photographer.

2) Eco-tourism activities that can bepromoted

a. Activities in Forest

1) Trekking and Cycling

2) Wildlife and Nature Photography

3) A walk to feel scenic beauty ofnature and landscape

4) Bird watching & Butterfly watchingand chasing

6) Nature and Biodiversity education

7) Exploring caves & Learning herbaland medicinal plants

8) Exploring hills and Rock Climbing

9) Eco-Camping

b. Activities in Coastal areas

1) Exploring Mangrove Forest

2) Exploring Coral reef and sea World

3) Motor boat riding

4) Para sailing and Scuba diving

5) Water Skiing and Wind surfing andKite surfing

6) Board surfing and Snorkelling

c. Educative activities

1) Nature interpretation and awarenesscamp

2) Wildlife educative camp

3) Bio-diversity camp

4) Exploration of western Ghats bytrekking

5) Exploration of eastern Ghats bytrekking

6) Exploration of ocean world

7) Exploration of different eco-system

28


d. Activities in river and waterfall:

1) Waterfall bath

2) River Rafting and Kayaking

3) River bugging and Angling

e. Adventure sports activities on land

1) Rock climbing

2) High rope courses

3) Zip lining and Mountain boarding

4) Grass boarding and Zorbing

f. Adventure sports activities in thesky

1) Paragliding

2) Hang gliding

3) Power kiting

g. Activities in the Village

Participation in cultural, social work andtraditional events, enjoying local cuisine andcultural show, folk tales and story tellingcompetition, participation in Rural andtraditional sports event.

3. Eco-tourism services

Success of eco-tourism depends onthe quality of services it provides toconsumers. Services like

a) Quality of eco tour guides

b) Marketing and Publicity

c) Transportation arrangement

d) Accommodation facilities

e) Cleanliness and hygiene

f) Catering and Hospitality

g) Quality of nature interpretation andawareness

h) Quality of eco-tourism package

i) Safety

E) Operation of Eco-Tourism within Carrying Capacity

Mushrooming of tourist facilities aroundmost forest areas have lead to feeding onthe resources that would have beenavailable to wildlife. This has lead todisturbance to fragile eco-system. There isexploitation and degradation of naturalresources, generation of garbage, sewageand pollution of all kinds.

F) Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC):

Economic benefits from eco-tourismare seriously questioned as most of theprofits are made by private entrepreneursor largely going to State exchequer, not tolocal communities who were relocated fromWildlife areas. Active participation of theJFMC members in Eco-Tourism activities

will dispel such criticism.

29


Table-6

No of Joint Forest Management Committees

Sl. No Particulars No of Villages No of Members

1. Joint Forest Management 1,170 3,20,677

Committee (NAP)

2. Village Forest Committee (TAP) 2,317 6,92,754

3. Eco Development

Committeea. GOMBRT 248 77,000

b. KMTR 228 35,556

Total 3,963 11,25,987

G) Change in Attitude and Organization Set up - Better Co-ordination

Better co-ordination among all the stakeholders especially co-ordination between Forest

Department who controls eco-tourism assets and Tourism Department who has expertise

in hospitality, marketing and service should be strengthened. Both are major players for

successful promotion of eco-tourism in the State.

2) Establishment of Tamil Nadu Eco-Tourism Board or Authority under Forest

Department

Presently there is no separate eco-tourism wing in Forest Department. Therefore in

order to organize, direct and ensure an effective implementation and management of eco-

tourism objectives and principles in the State, a separate eco- tourism Board or an Authority

should be established. The Board should be exclusively for facilitation and promotion of

eco-tourism in Forest Department to manage In-situ ecotourism like Zoo Authority of Tamil

Nadu (ZAT) who manages Ex-situ ecotourism.

30


31


The second presentation was

delivered by Mr.Yuvaraj, General

Manager, Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.

(A Govt. of Karnataka Undertaking. This

presentation was highlighted about the

Karnataka State Forest Department share

in promoting the eco-tourism in forest areas.

Karnataka scenario in Currently 5 Tiger

Reserves , Tourism allowed in all , Tourism

permitted only in 10% to 15% of the PA ,

Permitted number vehicles < carrying

capacity , Tourist vehicle in the forest for <

6 hrs/day , Only Govt. vehicles permitted ,

Naturalists accompany guests , Route /

zone system followed and High-end

photographers – extra charges.

Set up in 1980 as the state’s wildlife

and eco tourism initiative as a Pvt. Ltd.

Company by M/s Tiger Tops Pvt. Ltd. M/s

Tiger Tops Pvt. Ltd. Withdrew in the year

1987 by selling their entire share to Govt.

of Karnataka. Jungle Lodges and Resorts

Ltd is responsible for ecotourism with 17

properties. They are, Bannerghatta Nature

Camp, Bandipur Safari Lodge,

Bheemeshwari N & A Camp, Bhimgad

Adventure Camp, Belgaum, Black Buck

Resort, Bidar ,Devbagh Beach Resort,

Dubare Elephant Camp, Galibore Nature

& Adventure Camp, Kabini River Lodge,

Kali Adventure Camp, Dandeli , K.Gudi

Wilderness Camp, BRT, Old Magazine

House, Ganeshgudi , Om Beach Resort,

Gokarna , Phalguni River Lodge,

Mangalore, River Tern Lodge, Bhadra ,

Sharavati adventure Camp, Jog, Sloth Bear

Resort, Hampi and leased properties are

Sadashivgad , Hotel Metropole, KRS Hotel.

The wildlife destinations at Kabini, K.Gudi,

Bandipur, Bhadra, Sloth Bear and

Blackbuck. The Beach destinations at

Devbagh, Om Beach and Sadashivghad.

The Adventure destinations at Kali,

Ganeshgudi, Sharavathi and

Bheemeshwari. The Nature destinations at

Bannerghatta, Dubare, Galibore and Old

Magazine House. The Heritage destinations

at Metropole and KRS Brindavan. The

philosophy of the Jungle lodges are

Sensitization to Diversity in Nature , Bring

people closer to nature , Create

ambassadors for Conservation , Bring in

ecological sensitivity , Support local

communities and Support Forest

Department.

Session II

32


Chart - 1

This Jungle lodges and Resorts offering well-furnished, eco-sensitive living quarters

(tented cottages/ log huts), excellent cuisine and outdoor activities. Further he explained

the accommodations details for rooms, cottages, tented cottages and maharaja cottages

and charges for per head and groups for Indian and foreigner etc., The objectives of the

Departments are promote eco-tourism, wildlife tourism Consist of Wildlife Safari, Boat Safari,

Coracle Rides, Elephant Interactions Bird Watching, Adventure Tourism, and various outdoor

activities like Trekking, Camping, Rafting, Kayaking, Burma Loops and Zip-line etc., that

are non-consumptive components of eco-tourism and in general help in environment

conservation. The well defined motto of the Department is sensitization to Diversity in

Nature Bring people closer to nature Create ambassadors for Conservation Bring in

ecological sensitivity Support local communities Support Forest Department. Further the

presentation was dealt about Ecotourism Activities, features of Jungle lodges and

Community Development and other initiatives.

33


Table-7

A Performance overview

Sl. No. Year Occupancy % Turnover (in crores)

1 2007-08 75285 61 21.43

2 2008-09 79331 66 25.98

3 2009-10 74711 60 27.85

4 2010-11 81088 62 32.99

5 2011-12 86622 56 42.68

6 2012-13 73535 44 40.93

7 2013-14 74199 43 42.29

34


Table - 8

Jungle Lodges & Resorts Limited

Occupancy Performance for the year 2012-13

Sl. Name of the Property Acc

Occupancy Performance 2011-2012 & 2012-13

No. Capacity Achieved %

2011-12 2012-13 2011-12 2012-13 2011-12 2012-13

1. Kabini River Lodge 30 21468 21900 20978 15838 98 72

2. Bheemeshwari N & A Camp 19 13908 13870 10180 8199 73 59

3 Cauvery Fishing Camp (G) 11 8052 7062 4869 2756 60 39

4 Cauvery Fishing Camp (D) 0 3680 0 670 0 18 0

5 B.R.T Camp K .Gudi 10 7320 7300 5180 4006 71 55

6 Kali Adventure Camp 23/5 17122 18704 10388 8867 61 47

7 Devbagh Beach Resort 18/4 14192 14234 6807 7042 48 49

8 Bannerghatta Nature Camp 10 7320 7300 5035 4814 69 66

9 Bandipur Safari Lodge 20 14640 14600 10332 7485 71 51

10 River Tern Lodge 22 14640 16060 6527 5882 45 37

11 Dubare Elephant Camp 17 10762 12410 5440 4884 51 39

12 Pilikula Nisarghadham 8 5856 5840 672 673 11 12

13 Sloth Bear Resort 20 10980 14600 1665 1285 15 9

14 Blackbuck Resort 17 10980 12410 1333 1804 12 15

Total 160920 166290 90076 73535 56 44

35


Chart - 2

Ecotourism Activities

1. Wildlife tourism (safaris, birdwatching,etc.)

2. River Activities (water sports, rafting)

3. Adventure tourism (parasailing)

4. Sport Fishing (Angling, Joy Fishing)

5. Wellness Tourism (Ayurveda)

6. Experiential wilderness training

Features of the Jungle Lodges

� A sensitive approach, well planned and

developed camps.

� Exotic natural locations, Trained

Naturalists.

� Exciting & Safe outdoor activities,

Contribution to Conservation

� Green practices.

36


Community involvement and other

initiatives

� Employment of local people in the

resorts.

� Purchase of perishables from local

community.

� Sale of locally produced products at the

resorts and Support to NGOs.

Awards

The following awards have been

received by jungle lodges and Resorts Ltd

for outstanding Services / Performances.

� Kabini River Lodge, Karapura was

rated by Tatler’s Travel Guide as one

of the top wildlife resorts in the world

(1995)

� Awarded “The Best Eco-tourism

Organization” by the Ministry of

Tourism, Govt. of India (1997-98)

� Kabini River Lodge was adjudged as

the ‘Site with the Best Eco-tourism

Practices’ by CNBC AWAAZ.

� Chief Minister’s Ratna Award 2010.

37


P.V. Ramana Reddy, IFS, CCF,

Hyderabad, Former Executive Director,

APTD explained the Eco-tourism in Andhra

Pradesh. According to the (WTO): “tourism

that involves traveling to relatively

undisturbed natural areas with the specified

object of studying, admiring and enjoying

the scenery and its wild plants and animals,

as well as any existing cultural aspects

(both of the past or the present) found in

these areas” is defined as Eco-tourism.

Eco-tourism is distinguished from mass

tourism or resort tourism by having a lower

impact on the environment and by requiring

less infrastructure development.

Session III

Chart - 3

38


Policy Guidelines for Ecotourism in

India, 1998

� Involvement of local community leading

to overall economic development of the

area.

� Identification & minimization of likely

conflicts between resource use for

tourism and livelihood of local

inhabitants.

� Compatibility of tourism development

with the environment and socio-cultural

characteristics of the local community.

� Integrated land-use plan and

commensurate expansion of public

services.

The National Tourism Policy, 2002:

� Proposes Beach and Coastal Tourism

Resort products based on more flexible

tourism development approach in the

coastal zone.

� Proposes Active development of

Village Tourism especially the areas

with rich cultural heritage.

� Identifies the potential of Adventure

Tourism in the country with mighty

rivers, lofty mountains and unique

landscape.

� Identifies the ‘Bio-diversity’ of India and

proposes to encourage the ‘Tour

Operators’ to promote Ecotourism with

involvement of ‘Local Community’.

National Tourism Policy, 2002

� “… The wildlife sanctuaries and NP

need to be integrated as an integral part

of the Indian tourism product… the

quality of tourist facilities available at

the parks should be enhanced, improve

visitor information/interpretation.

� “India is a region of the world’s greatest

bio-diversity, with a variety of unique

natural locales and is therefore, a

perfect candidate for eco-tourism”.

Eco - Tourism Initiatives in – Andhra

Pradesh

� AP Tourism Development Corporation

has established full fledged ‘Eco-

Tourism wing’ in 2002.

� For Integrating concept planning,

creation and provision of services in

39


Eco-Tourism Sector in Andhra

Pradesh.

Policy Guidelines for Ecotourism in

India, 1998 defines the following as Eco-

tourism Resources:

� Biosphere Reserves,

� Mangroves,

� Coral Reefs,

� Deserts,

� Mountains and Forests,

� Flora and Fauna,

� Seas, Lakes and Rivers

� Caves

The important stakeholders of

Ecotourism industry as identified by the

Policy Guidelines are:

� Government, Developers/Operators/

Suppliers, Visitors, Destination

Population/ Host Community, Non-

Governmental Organizations/ Scientific

& Research Institutions.

I. Wilderness Camping

Following facilities are available in

Wilderness Camping.

� Facilities - Wooden Cottages, Log Huts,

Dormitory accommodation.

� Catering facilities provided.

� Trekking and bird watching facilities

provided by trained guides.

� Tribal dance ‘DIMSA’ and tribal games

‘ARCHERY’.

� Base for tribal village tourism & tribal

cuisine.

II. Nature’s Wonders

Following facilities are available in

Nature’s Wonders.

1. Belum Caves - Features

� Longest underground cave system in

South India – about 3.5 km. long.2 km.

of the area has been made accessible

for public viewing. Beautiful stalactite

and stalagmite formations with a

breathtaking view. Underground water

springs and streams developed. Being

integrated as the focal point of Cave

systems of Kurnool

40


2. Borra Caves - Features

� 90 Km. from Visakhapatnam. Million

years old stalactite and stalagmite.

Crystal white calcium stones can be

seen in various forms. 16 Tribal guides

engaged from locals.

� Facilities: Illumination and pathways,

Catering facilities, Electronic gate entry,

Accommodation facilities, Landscaping

& Visitor amenities like Clock rooms,

Wash rooms & Children play area and

Guide Service.

3. Durgam Cheruvu - Features

� Idyllic lake situated in Hyderabad –

near to Hitech City, Being in concealed,

picturesque location also called ‘The

Secret Lake’, the lake spreads over an

area of 63 acres, Hills of interesting

rocky formations and pockets of huge

rock out crops.

� Facilities - Conservation oriented –

rocks and lake protected from

encroachments, mining and damages,

Rock illumination, Angling and water

sports. Wilderness landscaping of the

rocky terrain surrounding the lake.

Ethnic food courts and Amphi-theatre.

Pulicat Lake - Features

� Located near Nellore- 50 Km. from

Chennai, Famous for its unique

ecology and birds like Flamingos,

Pelicans and Painted Storks.

� Facilities- Conservation oriented

tourism. Accommodation, catering

being provided outside the lake area

at ‘Tada’. Battery operated boating

facilities introduced, Pulicat avifauna

interpretation centre developed.

III. Adventure Sports

� Rapelling - Facilities available at

Horsley Hills in Chittor District and

Bhongiri in Nalgonda District, Also

available at Paladhara and

Panchadhara waterfalls ,Feasibility in

Araku Valley & Talakona area.

� Trekking - Introduced in Srisailam and

Araku Valley, Trekking routes to suit

different time frames. Mapping of

different trekking routes, Provision of

41


necessary equipment. Trained Local

guides.

� Parasailing - Introduced at Hussain

Sagar Lake (Hyderabad) and

Vijayawada (Bhavani Island), acquired

parasailing speed boats.

� Ballooning -‘Lighter than Air ’

technology being used – Helium based

Balloon at Durgam Cheruvu in

Hyderabad.

� Angling - Idle spot for angling at

Durgam Cheruvu and other lakes,

angling equipment like fishing rods are

available on hire.

� Rope Way at Srisailam - An eco-

friendly tourism initiative which also is

a good revenue generating model.

� River Cruise on Godavari & Krishna

Rivers.

� Village-Tourism, Godavari Districts-

Features

Resorts amidst lush green paddy

fields, coconut grooves and Godavari back

waters developed, Rich cultural heritage of

coastal Andhra highlighted. Festivals,

cuisine and customs of the area introduced

to give local ethnic experience to the

visitors.

Ten Commandents of Eco Tourism

� Respect frailty of earth

� Leave only foot prints

� Educate yourself about customs &

activities

� Respect privacy and dignity of others

� Do not buy products from endangered

plants or animals

� Always follow designated tracks

� Support conservation-oriented

programmes

� Utilize only environmental sound

transportation

� Patronize agencies with strong

principles of conservation

� Travel and stay with minimum

requirements

Understand the fragility of Eco system

… Take only memories, Quartize

formations at Orvakallu. Local community

involvement … In step with tribals, Tribal

dance at Ettipotala,

42


Constraints for Eco-tourism

� Policy Constraints- ‘Ambiguous’ and

‘Contradicting’

� ‘National Tourism Policy, 2002’

identifies NP and WLS and Bio-

diversity areas as unique resources for

eco-tourism whereas ‘National Wildlife

Action Plan, 2002’, ‘Forest

Conservation Act, 1980’ and ‘Wildlife

Protection Act, 1972’ are highly

conservative.

� ‘National Tourism Policy, 2002’

proposes for ‘sustainable beach and

coastal tourism’ to be developed on a

more flexible approach whereas the

Coastal Regulation Act Notification,

1991’ is inflexible.

� The AP Scheduled Areas Land

Transfer Regulations, 1959 prohibits

transfer of immovable properties to

non-tribal persons. Eco-tourism

development potential in tribal areas

not utilized to the optimum level.

43


• Forest Department to ensure that

the entire legal framework,

relevant Acts & Provisions, present

Policies and Guidelines are

complied with and Creation of

awareness on this subject to all

the stakeholders.

• Eco-tourism policy may be created

by forming a special committee

with related Departments such as

tourism forest Hindu regions and

other realized Departments to

enhance the income of the forest

Department and indirectly

promoting the social statues of the

eco-tourism well Known and lesion

known tourism places.

• The forest Departments may take

initiatives in up scaling eco-

tourism spots similarly or which

is more relevant our forest areas

such as high lands, low lands and

available water bodies.

• The seashore areas/ inland water

bodies, bird and wild life

sanctuaries may be utilized with

eco-tourism products which are

best practice in India and

international

• It is suggested that Eco Tourism

has a lot of potential and prospects

to generate revenue in forestry

sector in Tamil Nadu. However

care and sensitivity need to be

exercised so that the goals of

sustainable management are not

lost sight of.

• The responsibilities should be

fixed between forest and other

Departments. In this regard, a

Board or an Authority should

initiate, organize and facilitate for

a fruitful result and all sided

development of forest

Department.

• Many tourists with no orientation

on eco-awareness and nature

interpretation, have little interest

Recommendations / Outcomes

44


in nature, visit forest for

entertainment and thrill. Resultant

noisy and screaming tourist

wearing colorful dresses roam in

the forest causing irritation to wild

animal, harassing animal resulting

sometimes even to Man-Animal

Conflicts and polluting

environment leading to chaos and

damaging ecosystem. Therefore

it is essential to enhance

awareness about eco-tourism

a world class eco-awareness,

nature education, eco-

interpretation and nature

recreation centre should be

established in Chennai,

Coimbatore, Trichy and

Madurai.

• Development and Customization

of Eco-Tourism Products like

Development of eco-tourism

activities according to different

target group to School and College

student, Family and Senior

Citizen, Nature lover and

Researchers, Foreign Tourist

Natural and Wildlife Photographer.

Eco-tourism activities that can be

promoted in Coastal areas,

Educative activities, Activities in

river and waterfall, Adventure

sports activities on land,

Adventure sports activities in the

sky, Eco-tourism services, like

Quality of eco tour guides,

Marketing Publicity, Transportation

arrangement, Accommodation

facilities, Cleanliness and hygiene

and Catering etc., Responsibilities

should be clearly assigned to

stakeholders and Park manager

should be clear and operates within

carrying capacity.

• Presently there is no separate

eco-tourism wing in Forest

Department. Therefore in order to

organize, direct and ensure an

effective implementation and

management of eco-tourism

45


objectives and principles in the

State, a separate eco-tourism

Board or an Authority should be

established for effective utilization

and management of resources for

eco-tourism in order to achieve

economic and livelihood

development of the State.

• Engagement of Joint Forest

Management Committee (JFMC),

Village Forest Committee (TAP)

and Eco Development Committee

(EDC) members in Eco-Tourism

activities and services need to be

streamed line and operational zed

through Self Help Groups.

46


47


List of participants

S.No. Name and Designation

1. Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, I.A.S.,(Retd.),Vice-Chairman, State Planning Commission,Chennai – 5.

2. Thiru S. Krishnan, I.A.S.,Principal Secretary to Government,Planning,Development and Special Initiatives Department,Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009.

3. Dr. Sugato Dutt, I.F.S.,Member-Secretary (i/c), State Planning Commission,Chepauk, Chennai – 5.

4. Thiru Lakshmi Narayan, IFS, PCCF & CWLW,Department of Forest, Chennai -15

5. Tmt. K.Geethanjali, IFS,Wildlife warden, Chennai.

6. Mr. M.Yuvaraj,Asst. General Manager,Jungle lodges and Resorts Ltd, Karnataka State

7. Thiru.Limatoshi, IFS, CCF (F),Saidapet, Chennai - 15.

8. Thiru Sanjay.K.Srivastawa, IFSDepartment of Forest, Chennai-15

9. Thiru.V.Kadal,Deputy Secretary to Govt., (Tourism),Tourism and Culture Department, Chennai-9.

10 Dr. S.Bakthavachalam,Additional Director, Tourism Department,Chennai-2.

48


11. Thiru. M.Kavitha,Additional Commissioner H.R.& C.E Department,Chennai-34.

12. Dr. S.Vasanthi Commissioner (i/c)Department of Archeology,Egmore, Chennai-8.

13. Thiru. A.ChandirasekaranAO/ADB work/ Tourism Department,Chennai-5.

14. Thiru. T.Thanga Tamil ArasanTamil Nadu Bio-Diversity Board, Tamil Nadu,Chennai.

15. Mr. M.S. Ashou DeenArchaeological chemistry, Department of Archaeology,Chennai.

16. M.Ganamani,Civil Engineer, Department of Tourism (ADB Project)

17. Thiru. N. Prabaharan,General Manager, Department of Tourism,Chennai - 2.

18. Thiru. M.P. Pari,Accounts Officer, ADB Project,Dept of Tourism, Chennai - 2.

19. Thiru. A.Venugopal,Asst.Director, Department of Tourism,Chennai - 2.

20 Thiru. G.Kamarajan,Asst.Director, Department of Tourism,Chennai - 2.

Documents

Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission