Forest department to assess infrastructure needs of Agra-Etawah belt

LUCKNOW: The forest department will conduct at least seven dry runs along the Agra-Etawah ecotourism circuit to assess its infrastructural requirements.
Agra-Etawah circuit is one the nine-odd ecotourism circuits that UP has with considerable potential to attract nature tourists. Starting from the Taj nature walk, the circuit has Sur Sarovar bird sanctuary (Keetham lake) in Agra, National Chambal Sanctuary, that is internationally recognised for ghariyals and over 300 bird species in Agra and Etawah districts and the lion safari in Etawah.
The dry runs, comprising members of the tourism guild, hoteliers and private entrepreneurs, would be conducted along the route by the month-end.It would help the department in assessing existing facilities and what can be done to make it more attractive for tourists. APCCF, Agra zone, Sunil Choudhary said, “We have sought a budget for the dry runs from the forest corporation. The dry runs would help us find out our strengths and weaknesses.”
The forest department in July had organised a conclave in Agra to explore possibilities for development of ecotourism in the said circuit. The conclave had participation from the tourism guild besides senior officials of the department.
The department is planning two circuits between Agra and Etawah. One would start at the Taj and have Keetham lake and Churmura elephant conservation and care centre at Mathura and the other would start at Agra and have Chambal sanctuary and lion safari in its route.