New Delhi: There exists immense potential for development of eco-tourism and associated employment generation in the Purvanchal region, was the general consensus emerged at the 3-day webinar session being organised in Gorakhpur.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath concurred with the prospect of developing Purvanchal, in particular Gorakhpur as an eco-tourism hub. CM Yogi called for rejuvenating the neglected vast natural lake in Ramgarh and said this would bring scores of tourists in the region.
Forest and Environment Minister Dara Singh Chauhan, who presided over the meeting in 3-day webinar said that for ecotourism, Ramgarh lake in Gorakhpur of Purvanchal, Bakhira Tal of Santakbirnagar, Sohgibarva of Maharajganj, Kempti fall of Mussoorie of Sonbhadra, etc are attractive destinations and if developed well, it will result in strong influx of tourists.
“Tiger Rescue Center and Vulture Conservation Center are being established in Maharajganj. Zoo being opened for visitors in January will also increase eco-tourism,” the minister said.
He informed that the state government’s plan is to promote rural tourism and increase income of forest dwellers by making them stay in forest areas.
He said that in last 3 years, the tourist footfall has increased up to 20 times at eco-tourism sites in the state.
Record 25 crore plantation this year
In a landmark feat, the UP forest corporation said that it had planted almost 25 crore plants this year, for which they received appreciation from UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
“I want to congratulate the state’s forest corporation for planting 25 crore plants this year despite COVID-19. We have to think about their growth. Last year we did 23 crore plantations. It is a big movement for the environment. We have to reach a new milestone in the coming years,” CM Yogi said.
‘Stay homes in forests’ to see influx of tourists
Sudhir Garg, Principal Secretary of Forests Ministry suggested that a new door to income generation can be opened for the residents by developing facility of stay homes in these Vantangia villages of forest area.
Garg also said that there is a lot of potential for eco-tourism and adventure tourism in Purvanchal, rich in natural beauty of pools.
