Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 30: Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch organized a lecture on developing eco-tourism in J&K.
Dr CM Seth, Former Chairman J&K State Pollution Control Board and State Co-Convener J&K Chapter INTACH delivered the lecture.
He emphasized that the Jammu region has remained neglected in terms of tourism in general and eco-tourism in particular and further emphasized that the draft Tourism Policy must include development of eco tourism in the State as J&K has immense potential but the lack of tourism policy hinders the growth in the region. He said that while the community can play a significant role in development and sustenance of eco tourism without disturbing the ecology, at the same time the ecologically frail areas should be conserved.
Dr Seth spoke at length about the relevance of the three geo climatic regions-Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh which have their own set of natural assets including mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, rivers and caves, which can be explored.
Suresh Chugh, Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K who was the guest of honor in his address stressed that the J&K is blessed with a large number of endemic and rare plants and animals. He emphasized the need for community involvement and the carrying capacity of an area should be considered for sustainability of eco-tourism. He further added that people should understand that the development of eco tourism in an area will ultimately help people in the region economically.
Farooq Ahmed Shah, Secretary, Tourism Department who was the chief guest on the occasion assured that the main focus of the new tourism policy will be on development of eco-tourism in the State.
The lecture was organized under the guidance of Ashok Bhan, Patron IIPA, BR Sharma, Chairman IIPA and JBS Johar Secretary, IIPA J&K Regional Branch.
In the end, SK Gupta presented a formal vote of thanks, while Dr Komal Nagar, Joint Director Seminar, IIPA conducted the proceedings of the function.
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