Telangana: Govt constitutes committee to study identification of tourism sites and development of projects in state
The Government constituted a study committee under the chairmanship of Minister Ms. Konda Surekha on the identification of tourism sites and development of projects in Telangana.
The government has issued an order to form a committee to study the identification of tourism places and development of projects in Telangana. The state government today issued a special GO setting up a committee under the chairmanship of Minister of Forest Environment and Endowments Ms. Konda Surekha. To this extent EFS&T Department Principal Secretary Smt. A. Vani Prasad has issued a GO containing details of study committee procedures and members.
The Government is considering to identify areas located in and around forest having Eco-Tourism potential and to develop a holistic and sustainable eco-tourism policy for the State of Telangana. Eco-Tourism is one of the best tool for conservation of forests along with generating employment opportunities to the local communities dependent on forest. To strengthen and streamline the concept, a Committee is here by Constituted by the Government with the following members.
1)Hon’ble Minister for Forest, Government of Telangana …… Chairman
2) Spl. C.S to Govt.,/Prl. Secy., Finance Dept., …… Member
3) Principal Secretary- Environment, Forests, …… Member Science and Technology,.
4) Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Head of the Forest Force …… Member
5) Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief Wildlife Warden …… Member
6) Secretary Irrigation& CAD …… Member
7) Vice Chairman & Managing Director, T.S. Forest Development Corporation Ltd. …… Member
8) Vice Chairman & Managing Director, T.S. Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., …… Member
9) Commissioner Tribal welfare …… Member
10) Commissioner Endowments …… Member
11) Confederation of Indian Industries, …… Member Telangana – Nominee
12) Director Zooparks, …… Member
13) Executive Director, Eco Tourism, …… Member/Convener T.S. Forest Development Corporation Ltd.
14) Representative from WWF. …… Member
15) Representative from Zoological Survey of India ….. Member
16) Any other special invitees such as from Hospitality and adventure Tourism Industry, NGOs, State Tiger Reserve Forest Officers etc., as decided not exceeding (4).
2. The above committee shall envisage eco-tourism policy in line with guidelines issued by the Government of India and keeping in consideration the provisions of Forest Acts.
3. The committee is required to hold at least 3 meetings and provide recommendations for a draft policy within three months from the date of issue of the G.O. The sitting charges shall be paid by Telangana State Forest Development Corporation as per the norms of the Telangana State Forest Development Corporation Limited, Hyderabad.
4. The committee is mandated to:
Identify Government lands falling outside forest areas i.e., irrigation and tribal welfare lands, suitable for Eco-Tourism.
Identify areas falling in forest areas suitable for Eco-Tourism for development and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure for development of Eco-tourism.
Identify private lands in Eco-Sensitive Zones for tourism purpose.
Suggest role of TSFDC and Forest Department in proposed EcoTourism sites falling in forest. Suggesting business models for attracting investments, sponsorships and to foster Private entrepreneurship.
Identify possibility of development of wildlife safaris in protected areas and other nature – adventure – tourism plans.
To evolve strategies for enriching livelihood development of local tribal communities and factoring employment opportunities for local tribal youth
To suggest measures and programmes to ensure sustainable ecotourism as a means to inculcate a sense of pride and appreciation for forests and the rich Bio-diversity of the State.
Strategies to improve existing National Parks and Zoological Parks for improving tourism aspects.
Advise on synchronizing tourist circuits involving Endowments, Tourism and Culture and Transport Departments.
