Gujarat CM seeks eco tourism growth, visitor policy in protected forests

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday directed the Forest Department to promote eco-tourism in Gujarat’s protected forest areas while ensuring that rising tourist footfalls do not harm wildlife or their natural habitats. He also instructed officials to frame comprehensive visitor policy guidelines to regulate tourism activities in sanctuaries and national parks.The directions were issued during the 26th meeting of the State Wildlife Board held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of the chief minister. The meeting was attended by Forest and Environment Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali.
According to information shared at the meeting, officials informed the board that the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Banaskantha has been included in the National Programme for Bear Conservation by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The move is expected to strengthen conservation efforts and enhance the scientific management of the sanctuary.It was further noted in the meeting that a tiger has been observed in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary, with assessments indicating a strong possibility of the animal settling there permanently. In this context, discussions were held on planning community participation and training programmes for local residents on tiger conservation and protection, in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

#WATCH | Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired the 26th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife in Gandhinagar. (21.01)

(Source: Information Department) pic.twitter.com/L8xzrwCAye

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Chief Minister Patel emphasised that tourism growth in forest areas must be aligned with conservation priorities. He underlined the need for eco-tourism models that generate livelihoods for local communities while safeguarding biodiversity.The board also deliberated on identifying a suitable sanctuary location in the near future to address Gujarat’s growing leopard population, including rescued leopards, to ensure better habitat management and conflict mitigation.In the presence of the chief minister and the two ministers, around 18 proposals related to roads, water supply, optical fibre networks, renewable energy projects, power transmission lines and other infrastructure facilities within sanctuaries and national parks were placed before the meeting for approval.MLAs Mahesh Kaswala, Devabhai Malam, Maltiben Maheshwari and others participated in the meeting and offered suggestions focused on strengthening wildlife conservation efforts across the state. The proceedings were conducted by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Jaipal Singh.

(State Correspondent)