The Hindu : Karnataka News : State’s eco-tourism model inspires Goa, J & K, Punjab

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Friday, Sep 21, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

State’s eco-tourism model inspires Goa, J & K, Punjab

Sharath S. Srivatsa

Jungle Lodges and Resorts to sign memorandums with two States

— PHOTO: BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

BECKONING: The Bannerghatta facility of Jungle Lodges and Resorts.

BANGALORE: After setting up premier ecotourism projects in Karnataka, Jungle Lodges and Resorts, a pioneer in eco-tourism in the country, is all set to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab shortly, for offering consultancy services in identifying and development of possible eco-tourism areas in the two States.

Besides, Jungle Lodges and Resorts, a State Government undertaking, is in talks with Goa to offer consultancy services for eco-tourism projects, and Goan officials have visited some of the undertaking’s property.

Visit

Jungle Lodges and Resorts managing director N.D. Tiwari told The Hindu that his officials will go to Chandigarh next month to sign the MoU with Punjab administration, and the MoU with Jammu and Kashmir Government will also be signed shortly. “The Forests Minister of Goa along with officials visited Jungle Lodges and Resorts hotels to assess eco-tourism potential in their State,” he added.

A Goa Forests Department official said that though the State thrives on tourism, it has not reached its desired levels in eco-tourism. “We are trying to replicate Karnataka model to improve eco-tourism areas,” he added.

The Jungle Lodges and Resorts has in the past taken up several consultancies and feasibility studies, including financial feasibility, on setting up of a heritage hotel in Mysore for Hotel Metropole and Hotel KRS, feasibility of setting up of coastal circuit in Karnataka and planning and development of eco-tourism sites in Orissa.

In the first phase, Punjab plans to develop eco-tourism in four areas, and has sought the help of Jungle Lodges and Resorts to draw up plans. Potential eco-tourism zones that have been identified include Chatbir Zoo, Ropar-Nangal area that adjoins Shiwalik forests, Amritsar-Harike-Abhor circuit and Pathankot-Saili Dhar-Ghatasni and adjoining forests areas.

It is learnt that officials from Punjab intend to replicate the Bannerghatta Safari at Chatbir Zoo. They even visited the safari to assess the facilities available at Bannerghatta.

He said: “Jammu and Kashmir has tremendous potential for ecotourism and Jungle Lodges and Resorts will help the State in identifying the locations, which are potential eco-tourism sites.”

Jungle Lodges and Resorts, according to Mr. Tiwari, will work with the Department of Wildlife Preservation of Jammu and Kashmir and its scope will be to explore eco-tourism potential of the State and facilitate eco-tourism development apart from preparing plans for eco-tourism infrastructure and eco-lodge management.

Jungle Lodges and Resorts will also assist in marketing management and develop organisational structure for eco-tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

On the possible entry of Jungle Lodges and Resorts in other States, he said: “When we take up consultancy services, it will give us an experience working outside, and the State Government and the Jungle Lodges and Resorts board has agreed for any such venture outside Karnataka.”

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