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Gujarat CM Directs Eco-Tourism Push & Visitor Policy for Forest Sanctuaries

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed the Forest Department to promote eco-tourism and formulate visitor policy guidelines to prevent disturbance to wildlife from increasing tourism. The State Wildlife Board meeting noted the inclusion of Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary in a national conservation program and a tiger sighting in Ratanmahal Sanctuary. Plans were discussed for community training on tiger conservation and identifying a sanctuary location for Gujarat's growing leopard population. The meeting also reviewed numerous proposals for infrastructure within sanctuaries and national parks.

Key Points: Gujarat Promotes Eco-Tourism, Frames Visitor Policy for Forests

  • Eco-tourism push in protected areas
  • Jessore Sanctuary in National Bear Program
  • Tiger sighting in Ratanmahal
  • Community training for tiger conservation
  • Plan for leopard sanctuary
2 min read

Gujarat CM directs to promote Eco-Tourism in protected forest areas and to frame visitor policy guidelines

Gujarat CM directs eco-tourism promotion & visitor guidelines for protected forests. Jessore Sanctuary joins national bear program, tiger sighted in Ratanmahal.

"directed the Forest Department to ensure that the rising number of tourists... does not cause any harm or disturbance to wildlife - Chief Minister's Office"

Gandhinagar, January 21

In the 26th meeting of the State Wildlife Board held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, it was informed that the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Banaskantha has been included in the National Program for Bear Conservation by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), in this meeting, held in the presence of Forest and Environment Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali, details presented to the Chief Minister also stated that a tiger has been observed in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary and that there is a strong possibility of it settling there permanently.

In this context, the meeting also discussed planning community participation training for residents on tiger conservation and protection in the area, in collaboration with the NTCA.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel directed the Forest Department to ensure that the rising number of tourists and visitors in the state's protected forest areas does not cause any harm or disturbance to wildlife.

He instructed that eco-tourism be promoted and visitor policy guidelines be formulated. The meeting also discussed plans to identify a sanctuary location in the near future for Gujarat's growing leopard population, including rescued leopards.

In the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, and Minister of State Pravin Mali, around 18 proposals related to roads, water supply, optical fibre, renewable energy, power transmission lines, and other facilities within sanctuaries and national parks were placed before the meeting for approval.

MLAs Mahesh Kaswala, Devabhai Malam, Smt. Maltiben Maheshwari and others participated in the meeting and offered suggestions for wildlife conservation. The meeting was conducted by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Jaipal Singh.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Good step, but execution is key. We've seen policies fail due to poor implementation. The Forest Department must be given adequate resources and training. Community participation in tiger conservation is a brilliant idea.
R
Rohit P
A tiger in Ratanmahal!? That's huge news! 🐯 It shows our sanctuaries are healthy. But with more tourists, we must be extra careful. Hope they create proper viewing zones without disturbing the animal's territory.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves visiting Gujarat's forests, I welcome clear guidelines. Sometimes you see tourists littering or playing loud music. A strong policy will help responsible travelers and protect wildlife.
K
Karthik V
While the intent is good, I'm concerned about the 18 proposals for roads and power lines inside protected areas. Development should not come at the cost of fragmenting wildlife habitats. Need a very careful balance.
M
Meera T
Including the local community is the most important part. When people living near forests become stakeholders in conservation, success is guaranteed. Hope the training programs are comprehensive and regular.

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