Forest department for creation of new ecotourism wing

PATNA: The state environment, forest and climate change department has recently sent a proposal to the government, seeking the creation of a separate ecotourism wing for promoting this sector and development of unexplored sites for tourists.
According to principal chief conservator of forests Devendra K Shukla, a separate wing will help in the branding and development of unexplored ecotourist sites in Bihar.
“At present, there are only 25 ecotourism sites in the state which are accessible to tourists. Nearly 50 other sites have no facilities for tourists. We have identified some good spots that will be developed keeping the needs of tourists in mind once the government gives nod to our proposal,” Shukla told this newspaper on Wednesday.
Ecotourism is believed to be an increasingly important sector to facilitate local economic development as well as conservation of forests and environmental resources.
As far as the ecotourism wing is concerned, the department has mentioned in its proposal that the wing will be headed by a chief executive officer and two Indian Forest Service officers — conservator of forest and divisional forest officer.
“At least 600 employees will work with the ecotourism wing. There will be three assistant forest conservators, 31 range officers, 62 foresters, 248 forest guards and others officials,” Shukla said.
Elaborating on the role of the ecotourism wing, Shukla pointed out it would be responsible for providing different services like food, lodging and transportation.
“The first priority of the wing will be to develop unexplored sites into favourable tourist destinations and provide basic infrastructure and facilities to visitors. We will also create an ecotourism website to help tourists avail the services,” Shukla said and added Karkat Garh in Kaimur district and Kakolat in Nawada had potential to be developed as tourists spots.