Karnataka wants to avoid over-dependence on tiger reserves and is planning to develop its reserve forests to promote sustainable eco-tourism. Speaking at a conference on formulating guidelines for eco-tourism policy, Vinay Luthra, CEO, Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board, said “Karnataka which is a leader in eco-tourism in the country through Jungle lodges and Resorts, should not allow eco-tourism to deteriorate into mass tourism.”

“Keeping this in mind, a body like Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board is planning to develop reserve forests spread across the state to allow access to eco-tourists,” he added.

The Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board is also coming out with detailed guidelines to monitor, facilitate and regulate ecotourism in the State. The board is also planning to introduce marks or grading system to rate private resorts to allow access to the tiger reserves.

Luthra said as part of the marks or grading system, private resorts are to be encouraged to adopt best practices such as tapping alternative energy like solar, hiring local naturalists, managing their own sewage, emphasis on providing employment to locals, zero plastic usage.

“Less mark would be awarded to big resorts and small ones will get more for innovative practices. Out of 100 marks one should get minimum of 50 to qualify for access to the tiger reserves,” he explained.

All these new initiatives are planned according to the Supreme Court directive to all States to adopt conservation methods and restrict access to forest areas. The apex court had set October 15 as deadline for States to adopt new policy or come out with guidelines.

Luthra said Karnataka is moving in the right direction as it already has a tourism policy formulated in 2004, which includes a component of access to forests.

“With today’s conference, we hope to come out with a clear-cut policy and guidelines in less than two months, ahead of the court deadline,” he added.

anil.u@thehindu.co.in

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