Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission
Transcript of Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission
The State Planning Commission was constituted in Tamil Nadu on 25th May 1971 under the Chairmanshipof the Hon’ble Chief Minister as an Advisory body to make recommendations to the Government on variousmatters pertaining to the development of the State. The Chairman of the Commission is assisted by a teamof Members, Consisting of Vice Chairman, Full Time Member & Part Time Members who are experts invarious fields. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Planning, Development and Special Initiativesand the Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department are the ex-officio members. The MemberSecretary is responsible for administration in the Commission.
The Commission has the following technical divisions:
1. Agricultural Policy and Planning
2. Industries, Power and Transport
3. Land Use
4. Education and Employment
5. Health and Social Welfare
6. District Planning and Rural Development
7. Plan Co-ordination.
Main activities of SPC:
The Major Functions of the State Planning Commission are as follows:
1. Preparation of Five Year and Annual Plans based on the policies and priorities of the Government;
2. Undertake Mid Term review of the Five Year Plan, other special reviews on the Economy and advise theGovernment on appropriate modification and restructuring of the schemes;
3. Monitor development indicators that influence the Human Development Index, Gender DevelopmentIndex, etc., at a disaggregated level and suggest correctional measures;
4. Undertake special studies as required for formulation and implementation of plan projects andprogrammes;
5. Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board (TNSLURB) is functioning under the chairmanship of ViceChairman, State Planning Commission as a permanent body in the State Planning Commission. ThisBoard is intended to promote interaction and study in the vital areas of land use. The State PlanningCommission organizes seminars/workshops and undertakes studies.
6. Human Development Reports (HDRs) were prepared for Dindigul, Sivagangai, Tiruvannamalai,Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, the Nilgiris, Kanyakumari and Dharmapuri districts. The concept of HumanDevelopment has been disseminated to all districts through workshops organized in the concerneddistricts. Proposal for preparation of District Human Development Reports (DHDR) for the remainingdistricts is under process.
7. State Balanced Growth Fund (SBGF) is operated to bridge the regional imbalances among the districts.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
S.No Details Page No.
1 Workshop Team 4
2 Workshop Session 5
3 Executive Summary 6
4 Introduction 8
5 Session I – “Eco-Tourism potential in Tamil Nadu Forest 15Department by Thiru.Limotoshi, I.F.S., Conservator ofForests (Bio Diversity Conservation), Tamil Nadu.
Session II – “Karnataka State Forest Department share in 31Promoting the Eco-Tourism in Forest Areas” by Mr.Yuvaraj,General Manager, Karnataka State.
Session III – “Eco-Tourism Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh” 37by Thiru P.V. Ramana Reddy, IFS, CCF, Hyderabad
6 Recommendations / Outcomes 43
7 List of Participants 47
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Workshop Team
Tmt Santha Sheela Nair, I.A.S., (Retd.)Vice Chairperson, SPC
Dr. Sugato Dutt, IFS.
Member-Secretary, SPC
Thiru K. Kumaresan,
Head of Division, Education and
Employment Division.
Thiru A.Ramaiah,
Planning Officer.
Education and Employment Division.
Thiru S. Boopathy Mohan
System Analyst
Thiru M. Paramasivan
Librarian
Dr. S.S. Ravichander,
Technical Assistant,
Education and Employment Division.
K. Ayyachami,
Planning Assistant,
Education and Employment Division.
Tmt. Dharmasamvardhani,
Private Secretary,
Education and Employment Division
State Planning Commission Departments
Thiru. Ao. Limatoshi, I.F.S.,
Chief Conservator of Forests
(Biodiversity Conservation) and
Member Secretary - Tamil Nadu
Biodiversity Board.
Mr.Yuvaraj,
General Manager,
Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.
(A Govt. of Karnataka Undertaking)
P.V. Ramana Reddy, IFS,
Chief Conservator of Forests,
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Workshop Session
Welcome Address Dr. Sugato Dutt, IFS.,Member-Secretary,
State Planning Commission
Presidential Address Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, I.A.S., (Retd.)Vice Chairperson,
State Planning Commission
Session I – “Eco-Tourism potential in Thiru. Ao. Limatoshi, I.F.S.,Tamil Nadu Forest Department” by Chief Conservator of Forests (Biodiversity
Conservator of Forests (Bio Diversity Conservation) and Member Secretary
Conservation), Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board.
Session II - “Karnataka State Forest Mr.Yuvaraj,Department share in Promoting the General Manager,
Eco-Tourism in Forest Areas” by Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.
Jungle Lodges and Resorts ltd, (A Govt. of Karnataka Undertaking)
Karnataka State.
Session III - “Eco-Tourism Initiatives in P.V. Ramana Reddy, IFS,Andhra Pradesh” by Conservator of Chief Conservator of Forests,
Forests, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
State Planning Commission Departments
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Executive Summary
Tamil Nadu has a Forest cover of about
23,625 sq. km, constituting 18.10% of its
geographical area. It comprises of Protected
Areas and Reserved Forests with
enchanting ecotourism assets like
Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes, Grass Land,
Shola Forest, Hill Station, Western Ghats,
Eastern Ghats, Mangrove Forest, Coral
Reef Island, Sea back Water etc. Existing
potential areas in Tamil Nadu are 10 Wildlife
Sanctuaries, 14 Bird Sanctuaries,5 National
Parks,4 Tiger Reserves,4 Elephant
Reserves,3 Biosphere Reserves,1
Conservation Reserve. They present an
attractive calling to tourist. These areas also
provide a unique opportunity to tourist for a
life changing experiences on perception
about the need to conserve Forest.
The Vision Tamil Nadu – 2023
document targets fast growth in all the
sectors including tourism. It envisages an
investment of Rs. 10,000 cr in tourism and
hospitality sectors through Government and
Private investments by 2023. The foreign
tourist arrivals targeted for 2023 and 2017
is 15 and 7 million tourists respectively from
the present 4 million tourists. Infrastructure
for tourism includes development of hotels
and resorts, theme parks, entertainment
complexes, improvements to heritage and
archaeological monuments, development of
places of tourist interest and connectivity
to places of tourist interest. To achieve this,
a new tourism policy is being formulated. It
aims to attract higher spending tourist and
also investments in tourism and hospitality
related infrastructure.
The objectives of eco tourism Policy
of Tamil Nadu is to secure involvement of
local communities without adversely
affecting their cultural ethos, activities and
facilities are developed in consultation with
the communities without transgression into
community’s cultural sovereignty. Main
strategy is to involve the local communities
by way of employment in all tourism related
activities and priority will be given for areas
close to the existing popular destinations
and less known eco tourism spots.
World Bank Report (2006) estimated
that eco-tourism and other ecological
benefits from Joint Forest Management
areas alone in India could yield about $1.7
billion annually by 2020. It further adds,
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
benefits will be about $6.00 billion for all
forest areas of India. With billions of dollars
in annual sales, eco-tourism is a real
industry that needs to be tapped. The
potential is enormous, when development
of eco-tourism destinations, eco-tourism
assets and eco-tourism services are taken
into account. It will also enhance
employment opportunities related to travel
and tourism. Scope for revenue generation
in eco-tourism is high but our response to
utilize them effectively in an eco-friendly
manner is important. Otherwise it has a
potential to destroy natural and cultural
resources. Generally to generate
substantial revenue in eco-tourism the
number of tourist visiting such areas has to
be large, which means more pressure on
eco system. Our Endeavour should be to
improve quality rather than quantity. Eco-
Tourism at limited level has the potential to
become a major driver of local economies.
Secondly it is said that a State monopoly in
ecotourism is not efficient. However, if
replaced by a more ruthless and efficient
private sector monopoly with short term aim
of profits and to satisfy investors will be
dangerous to ecosystem. With this back
ground, State Planning Commission has
conducted a seminar / Workshop on
“Revenue Generation through
Ecotourism - Potential and prospects
from Forestry Sector in Tamil Nadu” on
22.04.2014 at 11.00 AM in the State
Planning Commission Conference Hall.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Promotion of sustainable eco-tourism
by integrating facilities at the Hill Stations,
Waterfalls, Forests, Bird Sanctuaries, Wild
Life Sanctuaries and National Parks for the
benefit of tourists. Various packages will be
developed to promote Eco-tourism in the
State on sustainable basis without causing
damage to environment and wild life. While
promoting eco-friendly destinations, the
carrying capacity of the destinations will be
taken in to consideration. The tourist
interpretation centres at each destination
will sensitize the tourists about cleanliness
and eco-friendliness. In eco-sensitive
destinations, green hotels / resorts will be
encouraged. Litter free zones and Waste
management will be the priority to keep the
tourist destinations clean. In all
developmental activities, the local
community will be actively involved to
ensure inclusive development.
Development of tourism in Forest
areas has always been a challenge to
Foresters, since such areas are ecologically
fragile and sensitive where forest dwellers
and tribal resides. Foresters are criticized
for being too restrictive to eco-tourism at
the same time civil society organizations
accused them of too liberal. It is critical to
note that such areas are protected at the
cost of local communities for conservation.
Nevertheless wildlife and forest tourism
have become increasingly popular among
the tourist. It gives a chance to the people
to see plants and animals in their natural
habitat and is a source of income to local
people and improves State economy.
Scope and Prospects
Tamil Nadu has a Forest cover of about
23,625 sqkm, constituting 18.10% of its
geographical area. It comprises of
Protected Areas and Reserved Forests with
enchanting ecotourism assets like
Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes, Grass Land,
Shola Forest, Hill Station, Western Ghats,
Eastern Ghats, Mangrove Forest, Coral
Reef Island, Sea back Water etc. They
present an attractive calling to tourist. These
areas also provide a unique opportunity to
tourist for a life changing experiences on
perception about the need to conserve
Forest.
The State is promoted as “Enchanting
Tamil Nadu” and has several tourist
Introduction
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
attractions such as beaches, forests, hill
stations, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries,
pilgrimage and heritage locations as well
as the long and biodiverse coastline. The
Government of Tamil Nadu has its tourist
offices at several key tourist centres
including other state capitals such as
Mumbai, Kolkata, Goa and New Delhi. In
addition, there are tourist information
centres at Hyderabad, Thiruvanan
thapuram, Bengaluru and important railway
stations and airports. The key contributor
to Tamil Nadu’s tourism success is the
development of niche tourism segments.
For example, Tamil Nadu is associated with
three major segments: pilgrimage, heritage
and hill station holidays. The other important
segments are eco-tourism, adventure and
wildlife tourism. The state has a number of
attractions such as a long shoreline with
excellent beaches, temples and
monuments with ancient architecture,
popular hill resorts and sanctuaries, and
United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organizations’ (UNESCO)
declared world heritage sites. The State is
also South India’s gateway to leading
pilgrim towns such as Tirupati, Madurai,
Rameswaram and Tanjore. The following
are some of the key tourist destinations in
Tamil Nadu
� Pilgrim centres: Kancheepuram,
Madurai, Rameswaram, Tanjore,
Srirangam, Chidambaram,
Kanyakumari, Velankanni and
Nagore Durgah
� Hill Stations: Udagamandalam
(Ooty), Kodaikanal, Coonoor,
Yercaud, Yelagiri, Valparai, Javadu
hills, Kolli hills and Kothagiri
� Beaches: Chennai, Mahabalipuram,
Kanyakumari
� Wildlife sanctuaries: Vedanthangal
Water Birds Sanctuary, Point
Calimere Bird Sanctuary, Crocodile
Bank, Indira Gandhi Wildlife
Sanctuary, Guindy National Park,
Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary,
Pichavaram mangrove coast.
Tamil Nadu’s tourism industry is among
the largest in India. Tourism has the
potential to provide high level of local
employment. Tamil Nadu has considerable
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
natural endowments that enable tourism as
an industry to flourish. Attractive segments
include beaches, hill resorts, architecture,
and heritage sites. Vision 2023 gives
significant thrust to the development of this
sector. Given that both Tourism and
Healthcare are thrust areas in the Vision
2023, medical tourism is a natural outcome
for Tamil Nadu. The Vision also envisages
attracting 15 million foreign tourists by the
year 2023. The investment is required for
Infrastructure for tourism includes
development of hotels and resorts, theme
parks, entertainment complexes,
improvements to heritage and
archaeological monuments, development of
places of tourist interest and connectivity
to places of tourist interest. The estimated
total investment in various projects amounts
to Rs. 10,000 crore.
World Bank Report (2006) estimated
that eco-tourism and other ecological
benefits from Joint Forest Management
areas alone in India could yield about $1.7
billion annually by 2020. It further adds,
benefits will be about $6.00 billion for all
forest areas of India. With billions of dollars
in annual sales, eco-tourism is a real
industry that needs to be tapped. The
potential is enormous, when development
of eco-tourism destinations, eco-tourism
assets and eco-tourism services are taken
into account. It will also enhance
employment opportunities related to travel
and tourism. Scope for revenue generation
in eco-tourism is high but our response to
utilize them effectively in an eco-friendly
manner is important. Otherwise it has a
potential to destroy natural and cultural
resources. Generally to generate
substantial revenue in eco-tourism the
number of tourist visiting such areas has to
be large, which means more pressure on
eco system. Our Endeavour should be to
improve quality rather than quantity. Eco-
Tourism at limited level has the potential to
become a major driver of local economies.
Secondly it is said that a State monopoly in
ecotourism is not efficient. However, if
replaced by a more ruthless and efficient
private sector monopoly with short term aim
of profits and to satisfy investors will be
dangerous to ecosystem.
Eco tourism- term coined by Ceballos
Lascurian in 1983. It is nature-based
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
travel, Emphasis on conservation education
and development and management of
sustainable tourism product and activity.
World Tourism Organization defines
tourism that involves “travelling to relatively
undisturbed natural areas with specified
objective of studying, admiring and enjoying
the scenery and its wild plants and animals
as well as any existing cultural aspects
(both past and present) found in these
areas” The Eco tourism Society (TES)
defines Eco tourism is “responsible travel
to natural areas that conserves the
environment and sustains the well being of
the local people”
Desirable characteristics of Eco - tourism
� Site/destination development near
existing and known destinations.
� Focus on quality of visitor experience
and level of satisfaction rather than
actual numbers.
� Stipulation of certain standards in
terms of quality and safety.
� Least impact on environment and
local culture.
� Supply driven rather than demand
driven and small group oriented.
� Provide for learning for a visitor.
� Activities and facilities in consultation
with local communities.
� Multi stakeholder partnership and
coordination between agencies.
Strategies of Eco tourism
� Balance between viability and
affordability
� Focus on levels of Carrying capacity
� Stricter conformance to existing
environmental laws
� Technologically efficient systems and
clean development mechanism
� Close and careful monitoring
� Economic benefit to accrue to local
community.
Requirements of Eco Tourism
� Adequate, attractive and easy to
operate physical facilities blending
with nature.
� Locating roads, nature trails,
signage, observation towers,
reception centres, interpretation
centres to enhance visitor
experience.
� Eco techniques for supplementing
facilities – Solar energy, Rain water
harvest, Grey water recycling
Garbage recycling etc.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
� Pumping tourism revenue back into
area management.
Strength of Tamil Nadu for initiating Eco
Tourism ventures
� Diverse forest types with rich
biodiversity in Western and Eastern
Ghats landscapes.
� Large number of national parks,
sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries with
abundant wildlife population. (5 NP,
13 WLS and 14 BS)
� Long coast line with many unique
coastal formations like mangroves,
corals, coastal sand dunes,
backwaters. (1076 km)
� Well developed air and rail
connectivity besides extensive road
network.
Destinations for Eco Tourism
� Beaches, backwaters
� Hill stations, valleys, meadows,
forests
� Waterfalls, water bodies, rivers
� Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks,
safaris, nature trails
� Urban eco parks and Culture
including festivals
Activities / Products
� Rides- Vehicles, Elephants
� Trekking and Bird watching
� Boat, Coracle rides
� Cycling and mountain biking
� Adventure activities like rock climbing,
hang gliding, river crossing etc
� Bathing and Water sports like river
rafting and angling
� Any other activity that may be
specifically permitted
Eco tourism Policy of Tamil Nadu
� Objective is to secure involvement
of local communities without
adversely affecting their cultural
ethos.
� Activities and facilities are developed
in consultation with the communities
without transgression into
community’s cultural sovereignty.
� Main strategy is to involve the local
communities by way of employment
in all tourism related activities.
� Priority will be given for areas close
to the existing popular destinations
and less known eco tourism spots.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Eco tourism guidelines for PAs
� Announced in June 2011.
� Contains a detailed set of framework
guidelines on selection, planning,
development, implementation and
monitoring of eco tourism in and
around PAs.
� States to develop State specific Eco
tourism strategies and Eco tourism
plans.
� Roles and responsibilities for
different stakeholders- State
Governments, PA management,
tourist facilities/tour operators, local
communities, temple boards and
general public.
� Dos and Don’ts
Investments required
� Development of necessary
infrastructure in selected sites.
� Publicity, Awareness creation,
Interpretation and documentation.
� Capacity Building and skill
development for stakeholders.
� Monitoring and Evaluation of the
Project outputs Administrative Costs.
Expected Outputs
� Tourist destinations and sites will be
developed with the required
infrastructure to initiate and sustain
eco tourism ventures
� Tourism- related activities will be
implemented through LEMCs
comprising of thousands of
households
� Women empowerment will be
catalyzed by promoting Self Help
Groups, to participate in the catering
related activities in the tourist
locations.
� Will boost the livelihoods of the local
communities.
� Forest Department will develop the
required integration and synergy
between the communities and
various other stakeholders to
achieve long-term sustainability of
the programme.
� Enhanced visitor satisfaction, which
would go for developing positive
orientation for forests and wildlife will
accrue.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
The First presentation was
delivered by Thiru.Ao.Limatoshi, I.F.S.,
Chief Conservator of Forests (Biodiversity
Conservation) and Member Secretary-Tamil
Nadu Biodiversity Board. This presentation
was highlighted about the Eco tourism
activities and revenue generation in detail
in Tamil Nadu.
Present status
Most of the Eco-tourism assets in Tamil
Nadu are under the control of Forest
Department. Eco-tourism assets may be
broadly classified under two categories.
I. Ex-situ ecotourism assets -
List of approved Zoos under Forest
Department.
Sl. No Name of the Zoo DistrictName of the
Reserved Forest
1. Arignar Anna Zoological Park Kanchipuram Vandalur
2. Kurumbapatti Zoological Park Salem Kurumbapatti
3. Amirdhi Zoo Vellore Amirdhi
4. Childrens Park Chennai Guindy
5. Trichy Zoo (Establishment stage) Trichy M.R Palayam
They are managed by Zoo Authority of Tamil Nadu (ZAT) with Chief Conservator of
Forests and Director, Arignar Anna Zoological Park as Member Secretary.
Session-1
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Table-2
Revenue Generated in Tamil Nadu
II. In-situ eco-tourism assets
a. List of destinations identified by Forest Department for promotion of ecotourism
in Protected Area. (Also listed in Eco-tourism Policy of Tamil Nadu)
Table -1
Number of Visitors in Tamil Nadu
Sl. Name of the Revenue realized
No Zoological Park 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
(in lakhs) (in lakhs) (in lakhs)
1 Arignar Anna Zoological Park 423.17 673.95 747.51
2 Kurumbapatti Zoological Park 15.55 17.54 19.32
3 Amirdhi zoo 0 5.20 9.58
4 Childrens Park 88.42 112.56 151.19
5 Trichy zoo (Estt.Stage) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 527.14 899.25 927.60
Sl.
Name of the Zoo No of visitors
No2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
(in lakhs) ( in lakhs) ( in lakhs)
1 Arignar Anna Zoological Park 20,02,545 22,12,131 23,75,053
2 Kurumbapatti Zoological Park 1,18,542 1,25,783 1,48,417
3 Amirdhi zoo 0 114941 1,03,391
4 Childrens Park 11,00,106 9,67,313 8,98,391
5 Trichy Zoo (Estt.Stage) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 32,21,193 34,20,168 35,25,252
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Sl. Circle District Division Destination Sites ActivitiesNo. features
1. Mudumalai Nilgiris Mudumalai Western Forests, WildlifeTiger Tiger catchment Grass lands, viewingReserve reserve Mukurthi Water Falls, landscape
Mukurthi National Park, Rivers, Trekking,National Park Mukurthi peak, Streams Forest stay,
fishing hut etc., vehicle ride2. Mudumalai Nilgiris Mudumalai Theppakkadu, Forests, Landscape,
Tiger reserve Tiger reserve Masinagudi, Falls Rivers viewpointsMoyar Singara, Trekking,Vazaho- Wildlifethottam, Sigur viewing,
Naturecamps,vehicle ride.
3. Anamalai Coimbatore Indira Gandhi Sethumadai – Elephant Trekking,Tiger Reserve Wildlife Top-slip- camp, Wildlife,
Sanctuary Kozhikamuthi Forests viewing,and National wildlifePark interpretation
center, ecocamp.
4. Annamalai Coimbatore Indira Gandhi Forest, Dams, Grass land, Trekking,Tiger Reserve Wildlife Rivers, Grass Landscape Photography
Sanctuary hills Shekelmudi Discovering Nature camp,and National Manamboly. and River nature trailpark course, etc., etc.,
5. Trichy Nagapat Nagapattinam Point Calimere Forest, back Bathing,tinam WL Division sanctuary and water, wildlife safari,
wetland mang-rove Birdcomplex watching,
Naturalcamp.
6. Virudhu Virudhu Grizzled Shenbaga Forest falls Trekking,nagar nagar Squirrel WLS thoppu - Bathing,
Alagarkoil - Wildlife,Mudaliyaroothu viewing,
Forest stay7. Kalakkadu Tirunelveli Kalakkadu Manimuthar Falls, Trekking,
Mundan and Mundan falls, Karayar forests, wildlife,thurai Tiger thurai WLS Dam. dam, river viewing,Reserve Banatheertham bathing,
falls. culturalMundanthurai tourism,
Nature camp
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
b. List of destinations identified by Forest Department for promotion of ecotourism in
Reserved Forest. (Also listed in “Eco-tourism Policy of Tamil Nadu”)
Sl.Circle District Division Destination Sites features Activities
No
1. Vellore Vellore Vellore Amirthi/Kottaru Water falls, TrekkingWaterfalls in zoo Boating,Thellai RF Nature walks,
Birdwatching,Forest stay
2. Vellore Vellore Tirupattur Swamimalai in Highest TrekkingMangalam RF point in Nature trial
Elagiri hills,view tower,trekking path
3. Vellore Vellore Tirupattur Jalagamparai Water falls Trekking,falls in fort hills Boatingof Elagiri Cultural
tourism.
4. Vellore Tiruvanna Tiruvanna Javadhu Hills - Hill station, Trekking,malai malai – Midhi in valleys, nature trial,
Patrakkadu RF rivers forest stay.
5. Villupuram Villupuram Kallakurichi Kariyalur Central Jungle Coracle ride,Nursery Stream Stream Trekking
6. Villupuram Cuddalore Villupuram Pichavaram Mangroves Boat ride,mangroves back waters Bird
watching,Board walk,Eco camps
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
7. Dharmapuri Dharmapuri Dharmapuri Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Bathing,
river, coracle ride,
Riverine trekking,
forest eco
awareness
camp.
8. Salem Salem Salem Yercaud Hills station Trekking,
Wildlife,
viewing, bird
watching,
nature camps.
9. Erode Namakkal Namakkal Kolli Hills Lake, Forest, Boating,
Waterfalls, Bathing,
temple Trekking,
Cultural
tourism,
Nature camps
10 Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore Pillur Dam River, Back Coracle ride,
water, Bathing,
Forest Trekking
11 Coimbatore Nilgiris Nilgiris Anaikatty Forest Trekking,
North Forest Wildlife
viewing,
Forest stay,
Nature camps
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
12 Coimbatore Nilgiris Nilgiris Thengumarahada Forest, River Trekking,North Kodanad and Coracle ride,
Kallampalayam ecoawarenesscamp,Wildlifeviewing,view point
13 Coimbatore Nilgirils Nilgiris Avalanchi – Shola TrekkingSouth Koleri batta - forests, vehicle ride
Bhavaniamman temple, eco-camps,Koil and landscape culturalKorakundah tourism
14 Coimbatore Nilgiris Nilgiris Penstock near Forest, land TrekkingSouth Kundha scape Nature
camps,view points
15 Dindigul Dindigul Kodaikka Gundar falls Falls, shola Landscape,nal forests, falls view,
Grass lands Trekking16 Madurai Theni Theni Suruli falls Forests falls Bathing,
Trekking,Bird watching
17 Tirunelveli Tirunelveli Tirunelveli Courtallam, Forests falls, Bathing,Mekkarai MPCA Trekking,Gundar Dam herbal
tourism
18 Tirunelveli Kanyakumari Kanyakumari Maruthuva River Herbalmalai, Forests, tourism,Kannimaradai falls Nature camp,falls Bathing,
wildlifeviewing.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Table-3
Number of Visitors in Tamil Nadu
Sl. Destination No of Visitors
No 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
1 Mudumalai Tiger Reserve,
Udhagamandalam 204514 110012 145059
2 Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi 673535 369916 583171
3 Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger
Reserve, Tirunelveli 244217 77064 199148
4 Point Calimere Sanctuary,
Nagapattinam 24733 28620 32265
5 Grizzled Squirrel Wild Life
Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur 261 501 382
6 Vedanthangal Bird Sancturary, 224576 212515 159361
7 Sathyamanagalam Tiger
Reserve, Erode 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 13,71,836 7,98,628 11,19,386
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Table-4
Revenue Generated in Tamil Nadu
Sl. Destination Rupees
No. 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
(In lakhs) (In lakhs) (In lakhs)
1 Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, 30.68 105.42 237.76
Udhagamandalam
2 Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi 1.78 103.30 191.11
3 Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve,
Tirunelveli 3.61 14.73 36.04
4 Point Calimere Sanctuary,
Nagapattinam 5.23 4.60 5.24
5 Grizzled Squirrel Wild Life Sanctuary,
Srivilliputhur 0.04 0.07 0.06
6 Vedanthangal Bird Sancturary, 0.00 11.16 8.56
7 Sathyamanagalanr Tiger Reserve,
Erode 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 41.34 239.28 478.77
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Sl.No. Particulars
Year
2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
(in lakhs) (in lakhs) (in lakhs)
1 Ex-situ Visitors 32.21 34.20 35.25
Revenue 527.14 899.29 927.60
2 In-situ Visitors 13.72 7.99 11.19
Total Revenue 41.34 239.28 478.77
Table-5
Number of Visitors and Revenue realized
Comparision : Exsitu and Insitu
Important aspects in Eco-Tourism
A) Policy, Guidelines and Legal Frame Work
1) National tourism policy and guideline (1998)
� Recognizes the importance of wildlife areas as elements of eco-tourism.
� Accepts the role of indigenous and local communities in eco-tourism.
� An environmental pledge was formulated.
2. National Tourism Policy 2002
� Gave importance to eco-tourism
� Focus on improvement of Tourist facilities.
� Promotion of Tiger and Elephant as brand for wildlife tourism.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
3. Eco-Tourism Policy of Tamil Nadu
� Eco-Tourism Policy Provides strategicdirection to engage local communities,tourists, forest officials, Governmentand other stakeholders in promotingeffective eco tourism activities in theState resulting in conservation andpreservation of resources.
� The Eco-Tourism Policy outlinesspecific objectives, guiding principles,detailed strategies and a systematicprocess for assessment.
� Eco-tourism destinations in Tamil Naduwere Specified for development in aneco-friendly manner.
4. National Wildlife Action Plan (2002 2016)
� Regulated and low impact is vital as ithelps win public support for WildlifeConservation.
� Preparation of Tourism ManagementPlan for each Protected Area.
� Eco-Tourism to involve and benefitlocal Communities.
5. Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
� Permits tourism in Protected Areaswhich should be according to sitespecific Management Plan approvedby the Principal Chief Conservator ofForests and Chief Wildlife Warden.
6. Forest (Conservation) Act 1980
� Prohibits Conversion of Forest land fornon-Forestry purpose except with the
approval of Government of India andHonorable Supreme Court monitoredCentral Empowered Committee.
� Eco-tourism is promoted in Forestareas since they support conservation.However Eco-Tourism activities shouldbe in an ecological and environmentfriendly manner as per approvedworking plan.
7. Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on Eco-Tourism in Tiger Reserves
� Hon’ble Supreme Court of India lifting
its interim ban on 16th October 2012,
tourism activities in the Core Tiger
Reserve area added.
� We make it clear that we have not held
the guidelines either intra-vires
(constitutionally valid) or ultra-vires
(unconstitutional).
� The Apex Court said the tourism
activities in the Tiger Reserve areas
should be strictly in accordance with
the notification issued by National Tiger
Conservation Authority on 15th October
2012.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
� The court also directed the respectiveState Government to prepare the TigerConservation Plan within six monthsfrom today and submit the same to theNational Tiger Conservation Authority.
8) Normative standard for Tourism activities and Project Tiger
Guidelines 2012
� State Government should notify Statelevel Tourism and Eco-tourism strategy.
� State level steering committee shallreview its implementation.
� Revenue from eco-tourism in TigerReserve shall not go to the StateExchequer.
� Involvement of the Local People.
� Local advisory committee (LAC) shouldbe constituted by the StateGovernment.
� Each Tiger Reserve to prepare sitespecific “Tourism Plan” and should beapproved by LAC.
B) Well Defined Area of Operation andResponsibilities.
1) Protected areas and Reserved Forest
Community based eco-tourism sitesidentified and selected for promotion of eco-
tourism in protected areas and ReservedForest by the Forest Department in TamilNadu should be promoted and popularized.
2) Opening up of certain Forest areas
Certain forest areas which were re-afforested from abandoned mining sitesand degraded forest areas should bedevelop as world class eco-awareness,nature education, interpretation centres.These centre’s should be develop nearurban areas like in Chennai, Coimbatore,Trichy and Madurai. Forestry ExtensionCentres can also be upgraded to eco-awareness and interpretation centres.These centres should also provide anambient of relaxation for the tourist andvisitor’s to de-stress, improve mentalhealth, understand and admire nature. eg:-Nanmangalam RF (Kanchipuram Division)an abundant mining site comprising mostlyvegetation of artificially regenerated is anexcellent location for the people of Chennai.
3) Opening of certain areas outside Forest
Abandoned or unutilized godown,nursery sites and Forest rest house outsideforest areas should be developed as eco-camping site, or nature interpretation andeducation centre, resting place,accommodation facilities, etc. eg:- Alikulli
26
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
rest House (Tiruvallur Division) located
outside forest area unutilized, should be
developed as tourist facilities for eco-
camping or camping site for trekkers.
Students, eco-clubs, Nature lovers, etc. The
site is adjoining to Poondi reservoir, Alikulli
RF, successful red sanders plantation (40
years old) and Paleolithic age Giudium
caves located in Pulikundrum R F. It is an
excellent location for the people of Chennai
to enjoy and admire nature. Similar areas
are available in all the Forest Divisions in
Tamil Nadu.
4) Opening of certain areas in Forest corporations
There are three forest corporations in
Tami Nadu
1) Arasu Rubber Corporation (ARC)
2) Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation
Corporation (TANTEA)
3) Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation
Corporation (TAFCORN)
These corporations are located near
important Eco-Tourism destinations. Hence,
potential and vacant forest areas under their
control can be developed for eco-tourism
purpose. In fact Tea gardens, Rubber
plantations, factories and their rest houses
are of tourist attractions.
C. Establishment of “Eco-Tourismpromotion, awareness andmarketing centers”
1) Many people feel, they have a right to
enjoy nature and wildlife for
entertainment. In the process, many
tourist with no orientation on eco-
awareness and nature interpretation,
have little interest in nature, visit forest
for entertainment and thrill. Resultant
noisy and screaming tourist wearing
colorful dresses roam in the forest
causing irritation to wild animal,
harassing animal resulting sometimes
even to Man-Animal Conflicts and
polluting environment leading to chaos
and damaging ecosystem. Therefore
to enhance awareness about eco-
tourism a world class eco-awareness,
nature education, eco-interpretation
and nature recreation centre should be
established in Chennai, Coimbatore,
Trichy and Madurai. The reason is most
of the tourist both international and
national passes through these places
to visit wilderness areas of Tamil
Nadu.Exposure to such centre will
ensure tourist who are interested in
nature, wildlife and forest will visit
wilderness areas, casual tourist can be
discouraged.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
2) These centers can provide training tostake holders on technical matter abouteco-tourism, biodiversity, flora andfauna, environmental and forest law,guidelines and eco-tourism policy bythe Forest Extension wing.
3. Educative and awareness programmeon environmental and Forest Law,Wildlife Protection Act, eco-tourismpolicy, Guidelines, waste management,risk management to officials of linedepartments, tourist, localcommunities, school and collegestudent can be promoted.
D. Development and Customization ofEco -Tourism Products.
1) Development of eco-tourismactivities according to differenttarget group.
a) School and College student
b) Family and Senior Citizen
c) Young Professional
d) Nature lover and Researchers
e) Foreign Tourist
f) Natural and Wildlife Photographer.
2) Eco-tourism activities that can bepromoted
a. Activities in Forest
1) Trekking and Cycling
2) Wildlife and Nature Photography
3) A walk to feel scenic beauty ofnature and landscape
4) Bird watching & Butterfly watchingand chasing
6) Nature and Biodiversity education
7) Exploring caves & Learning herbaland medicinal plants
8) Exploring hills and Rock Climbing
9) Eco-Camping
b. Activities in Coastal areas
1) Exploring Mangrove Forest
2) Exploring Coral reef and sea World
3) Motor boat riding
4) Para sailing and Scuba diving
5) Water Skiing and Wind surfing andKite surfing
6) Board surfing and Snorkelling
c. Educative activities
1) Nature interpretation and awarenesscamp
2) Wildlife educative camp
3) Bio-diversity camp
4) Exploration of western Ghats bytrekking
5) Exploration of eastern Ghats bytrekking
6) Exploration of ocean world
7) Exploration of different eco-system
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
d. Activities in river and waterfall:
1) Waterfall bath
2) River Rafting and Kayaking
3) River bugging and Angling
e. Adventure sports activities on land
1) Rock climbing
2) High rope courses
3) Zip lining and Mountain boarding
4) Grass boarding and Zorbing
f. Adventure sports activities in thesky
1) Paragliding
2) Hang gliding
3) Power kiting
g. Activities in the Village
Participation in cultural, social work andtraditional events, enjoying local cuisine andcultural show, folk tales and story tellingcompetition, participation in Rural andtraditional sports event.
3. Eco-tourism services
Success of eco-tourism depends onthe quality of services it provides toconsumers. Services like
a) Quality of eco tour guides
b) Marketing and Publicity
c) Transportation arrangement
d) Accommodation facilities
e) Cleanliness and hygiene
f) Catering and Hospitality
g) Quality of nature interpretation andawareness
h) Quality of eco-tourism package
i) Safety
E) Operation of Eco-Tourism within Carrying Capacity
Mushrooming of tourist facilities aroundmost forest areas have lead to feeding onthe resources that would have beenavailable to wildlife. This has lead todisturbance to fragile eco-system. There isexploitation and degradation of naturalresources, generation of garbage, sewageand pollution of all kinds.
F) Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC):
Economic benefits from eco-tourismare seriously questioned as most of theprofits are made by private entrepreneursor largely going to State exchequer, not tolocal communities who were relocated fromWildlife areas. Active participation of theJFMC members in Eco-Tourism activities
will dispel such criticism.
29
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Table-6
No of Joint Forest Management Committees
Sl. No Particulars No of Villages No of Members
1. Joint Forest Management 1,170 3,20,677
Committee (NAP)
2. Village Forest Committee (TAP) 2,317 6,92,754
3. Eco Development
Committeea. GOMBRT 248 77,000
b. KMTR 228 35,556
Total 3,963 11,25,987
G) Change in Attitude and Organization Set up - Better Co-ordination
Better co-ordination among all the stakeholders especially co-ordination between Forest
Department who controls eco-tourism assets and Tourism Department who has expertise
in hospitality, marketing and service should be strengthened. Both are major players for
successful promotion of eco-tourism in the State.
2) Establishment of Tamil Nadu Eco-Tourism Board or Authority under Forest
Department
Presently there is no separate eco-tourism wing in Forest Department. Therefore in
order to organize, direct and ensure an effective implementation and management of eco-
tourism objectives and principles in the State, a separate eco- tourism Board or an Authority
should be established. The Board should be exclusively for facilitation and promotion of
eco-tourism in Forest Department to manage In-situ ecotourism like Zoo Authority of Tamil
Nadu (ZAT) who manages Ex-situ ecotourism.
30
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
31
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
The second presentation was
delivered by Mr.Yuvaraj, General
Manager, Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.
(A Govt. of Karnataka Undertaking. This
presentation was highlighted about the
Karnataka State Forest Department share
in promoting the eco-tourism in forest areas.
Karnataka scenario in Currently 5 Tiger
Reserves , Tourism allowed in all , Tourism
permitted only in 10% to 15% of the PA ,
Permitted number vehicles < carrying
capacity , Tourist vehicle in the forest for <
6 hrs/day , Only Govt. vehicles permitted ,
Naturalists accompany guests , Route /
zone system followed and High-end
photographers – extra charges.
Set up in 1980 as the state’s wildlife
and eco tourism initiative as a Pvt. Ltd.
Company by M/s Tiger Tops Pvt. Ltd. M/s
Tiger Tops Pvt. Ltd. Withdrew in the year
1987 by selling their entire share to Govt.
of Karnataka. Jungle Lodges and Resorts
Ltd is responsible for ecotourism with 17
properties. They are, Bannerghatta Nature
Camp, Bandipur Safari Lodge,
Bheemeshwari N & A Camp, Bhimgad
Adventure Camp, Belgaum, Black Buck
Resort, Bidar ,Devbagh Beach Resort,
Dubare Elephant Camp, Galibore Nature
& Adventure Camp, Kabini River Lodge,
Kali Adventure Camp, Dandeli , K.Gudi
Wilderness Camp, BRT, Old Magazine
House, Ganeshgudi , Om Beach Resort,
Gokarna , Phalguni River Lodge,
Mangalore, River Tern Lodge, Bhadra ,
Sharavati adventure Camp, Jog, Sloth Bear
Resort, Hampi and leased properties are
Sadashivgad , Hotel Metropole, KRS Hotel.
The wildlife destinations at Kabini, K.Gudi,
Bandipur, Bhadra, Sloth Bear and
Blackbuck. The Beach destinations at
Devbagh, Om Beach and Sadashivghad.
The Adventure destinations at Kali,
Ganeshgudi, Sharavathi and
Bheemeshwari. The Nature destinations at
Bannerghatta, Dubare, Galibore and Old
Magazine House. The Heritage destinations
at Metropole and KRS Brindavan. The
philosophy of the Jungle lodges are
Sensitization to Diversity in Nature , Bring
people closer to nature , Create
ambassadors for Conservation , Bring in
ecological sensitivity , Support local
communities and Support Forest
Department.
Session II
32
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Chart - 1
This Jungle lodges and Resorts offering well-furnished, eco-sensitive living quarters
(tented cottages/ log huts), excellent cuisine and outdoor activities. Further he explained
the accommodations details for rooms, cottages, tented cottages and maharaja cottages
and charges for per head and groups for Indian and foreigner etc., The objectives of the
Departments are promote eco-tourism, wildlife tourism Consist of Wildlife Safari, Boat Safari,
Coracle Rides, Elephant Interactions Bird Watching, Adventure Tourism, and various outdoor
activities like Trekking, Camping, Rafting, Kayaking, Burma Loops and Zip-line etc., that
are non-consumptive components of eco-tourism and in general help in environment
conservation. The well defined motto of the Department is sensitization to Diversity in
Nature Bring people closer to nature Create ambassadors for Conservation Bring in
ecological sensitivity Support local communities Support Forest Department. Further the
presentation was dealt about Ecotourism Activities, features of Jungle lodges and
Community Development and other initiatives.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Table-7
A Performance overview
Sl. No. Year Occupancy % Turnover (in crores)
1 2007-08 75285 61 21.43
2 2008-09 79331 66 25.98
3 2009-10 74711 60 27.85
4 2010-11 81088 62 32.99
5 2011-12 86622 56 42.68
6 2012-13 73535 44 40.93
7 2013-14 74199 43 42.29
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Table - 8
Jungle Lodges & Resorts Limited
Occupancy Performance for the year 2012-13
Sl. Name of the Property Acc
Occupancy Performance 2011-2012 & 2012-13
No. Capacity Achieved %
2011-12 2012-13 2011-12 2012-13 2011-12 2012-13
1. Kabini River Lodge 30 21468 21900 20978 15838 98 72
2. Bheemeshwari N & A Camp 19 13908 13870 10180 8199 73 59
3 Cauvery Fishing Camp (G) 11 8052 7062 4869 2756 60 39
4 Cauvery Fishing Camp (D) 0 3680 0 670 0 18 0
5 B.R.T Camp K .Gudi 10 7320 7300 5180 4006 71 55
6 Kali Adventure Camp 23/5 17122 18704 10388 8867 61 47
7 Devbagh Beach Resort 18/4 14192 14234 6807 7042 48 49
8 Bannerghatta Nature Camp 10 7320 7300 5035 4814 69 66
9 Bandipur Safari Lodge 20 14640 14600 10332 7485 71 51
10 River Tern Lodge 22 14640 16060 6527 5882 45 37
11 Dubare Elephant Camp 17 10762 12410 5440 4884 51 39
12 Pilikula Nisarghadham 8 5856 5840 672 673 11 12
13 Sloth Bear Resort 20 10980 14600 1665 1285 15 9
14 Blackbuck Resort 17 10980 12410 1333 1804 12 15
Total 160920 166290 90076 73535 56 44
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Chart - 2
Ecotourism Activities
1. Wildlife tourism (safaris, birdwatching,etc.)
2. River Activities (water sports, rafting)
3. Adventure tourism (parasailing)
4. Sport Fishing (Angling, Joy Fishing)
5. Wellness Tourism (Ayurveda)
6. Experiential wilderness training
Features of the Jungle Lodges
� A sensitive approach, well planned and
developed camps.
� Exotic natural locations, Trained
Naturalists.
� Exciting & Safe outdoor activities,
Contribution to Conservation
� Green practices.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Community involvement and other
initiatives
� Employment of local people in the
resorts.
� Purchase of perishables from local
community.
� Sale of locally produced products at the
resorts and Support to NGOs.
Awards
The following awards have been
received by jungle lodges and Resorts Ltd
for outstanding Services / Performances.
� Kabini River Lodge, Karapura was
rated by Tatler’s Travel Guide as one
of the top wildlife resorts in the world
(1995)
� Awarded “The Best Eco-tourism
Organization” by the Ministry of
Tourism, Govt. of India (1997-98)
� Kabini River Lodge was adjudged as
the ‘Site with the Best Eco-tourism
Practices’ by CNBC AWAAZ.
� Chief Minister’s Ratna Award 2010.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
P.V. Ramana Reddy, IFS, CCF,
Hyderabad, Former Executive Director,
APTD explained the Eco-tourism in Andhra
Pradesh. According to the (WTO): “tourism
that involves traveling to relatively
undisturbed natural areas with the specified
object of studying, admiring and enjoying
the scenery and its wild plants and animals,
as well as any existing cultural aspects
(both of the past or the present) found in
these areas” is defined as Eco-tourism.
Eco-tourism is distinguished from mass
tourism or resort tourism by having a lower
impact on the environment and by requiring
less infrastructure development.
Session III
Chart - 3
38
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Policy Guidelines for Ecotourism in
India, 1998
� Involvement of local community leading
to overall economic development of the
area.
� Identification & minimization of likely
conflicts between resource use for
tourism and livelihood of local
inhabitants.
� Compatibility of tourism development
with the environment and socio-cultural
characteristics of the local community.
� Integrated land-use plan and
commensurate expansion of public
services.
The National Tourism Policy, 2002:
� Proposes Beach and Coastal Tourism
Resort products based on more flexible
tourism development approach in the
coastal zone.
� Proposes Active development of
Village Tourism especially the areas
with rich cultural heritage.
� Identifies the potential of Adventure
Tourism in the country with mighty
rivers, lofty mountains and unique
landscape.
� Identifies the ‘Bio-diversity’ of India and
proposes to encourage the ‘Tour
Operators’ to promote Ecotourism with
involvement of ‘Local Community’.
National Tourism Policy, 2002
� “… The wildlife sanctuaries and NP
need to be integrated as an integral part
of the Indian tourism product… the
quality of tourist facilities available at
the parks should be enhanced, improve
visitor information/interpretation.
� “India is a region of the world’s greatest
bio-diversity, with a variety of unique
natural locales and is therefore, a
perfect candidate for eco-tourism”.
Eco - Tourism Initiatives in – Andhra
Pradesh
� AP Tourism Development Corporation
has established full fledged ‘Eco-
Tourism wing’ in 2002.
� For Integrating concept planning,
creation and provision of services in
39
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Eco-Tourism Sector in Andhra
Pradesh.
Policy Guidelines for Ecotourism in
India, 1998 defines the following as Eco-
tourism Resources:
� Biosphere Reserves,
� Mangroves,
� Coral Reefs,
� Deserts,
� Mountains and Forests,
� Flora and Fauna,
� Seas, Lakes and Rivers
� Caves
The important stakeholders of
Ecotourism industry as identified by the
Policy Guidelines are:
� Government, Developers/Operators/
Suppliers, Visitors, Destination
Population/ Host Community, Non-
Governmental Organizations/ Scientific
& Research Institutions.
I. Wilderness Camping
Following facilities are available in
Wilderness Camping.
� Facilities - Wooden Cottages, Log Huts,
Dormitory accommodation.
� Catering facilities provided.
� Trekking and bird watching facilities
provided by trained guides.
� Tribal dance ‘DIMSA’ and tribal games
‘ARCHERY’.
� Base for tribal village tourism & tribal
cuisine.
II. Nature’s Wonders
Following facilities are available in
Nature’s Wonders.
1. Belum Caves - Features
� Longest underground cave system in
South India – about 3.5 km. long.2 km.
of the area has been made accessible
for public viewing. Beautiful stalactite
and stalagmite formations with a
breathtaking view. Underground water
springs and streams developed. Being
integrated as the focal point of Cave
systems of Kurnool
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
2. Borra Caves - Features
� 90 Km. from Visakhapatnam. Million
years old stalactite and stalagmite.
Crystal white calcium stones can be
seen in various forms. 16 Tribal guides
engaged from locals.
� Facilities: Illumination and pathways,
Catering facilities, Electronic gate entry,
Accommodation facilities, Landscaping
& Visitor amenities like Clock rooms,
Wash rooms & Children play area and
Guide Service.
3. Durgam Cheruvu - Features
� Idyllic lake situated in Hyderabad –
near to Hitech City, Being in concealed,
picturesque location also called ‘The
Secret Lake’, the lake spreads over an
area of 63 acres, Hills of interesting
rocky formations and pockets of huge
rock out crops.
� Facilities - Conservation oriented –
rocks and lake protected from
encroachments, mining and damages,
Rock illumination, Angling and water
sports. Wilderness landscaping of the
rocky terrain surrounding the lake.
Ethnic food courts and Amphi-theatre.
Pulicat Lake - Features
� Located near Nellore- 50 Km. from
Chennai, Famous for its unique
ecology and birds like Flamingos,
Pelicans and Painted Storks.
� Facilities- Conservation oriented
tourism. Accommodation, catering
being provided outside the lake area
at ‘Tada’. Battery operated boating
facilities introduced, Pulicat avifauna
interpretation centre developed.
III. Adventure Sports
� Rapelling - Facilities available at
Horsley Hills in Chittor District and
Bhongiri in Nalgonda District, Also
available at Paladhara and
Panchadhara waterfalls ,Feasibility in
Araku Valley & Talakona area.
� Trekking - Introduced in Srisailam and
Araku Valley, Trekking routes to suit
different time frames. Mapping of
different trekking routes, Provision of
41
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
necessary equipment. Trained Local
guides.
� Parasailing - Introduced at Hussain
Sagar Lake (Hyderabad) and
Vijayawada (Bhavani Island), acquired
parasailing speed boats.
� Ballooning -‘Lighter than Air ’
technology being used – Helium based
Balloon at Durgam Cheruvu in
Hyderabad.
� Angling - Idle spot for angling at
Durgam Cheruvu and other lakes,
angling equipment like fishing rods are
available on hire.
� Rope Way at Srisailam - An eco-
friendly tourism initiative which also is
a good revenue generating model.
� River Cruise on Godavari & Krishna
Rivers.
� Village-Tourism, Godavari Districts-
Features
Resorts amidst lush green paddy
fields, coconut grooves and Godavari back
waters developed, Rich cultural heritage of
coastal Andhra highlighted. Festivals,
cuisine and customs of the area introduced
to give local ethnic experience to the
visitors.
Ten Commandents of Eco Tourism
� Respect frailty of earth
� Leave only foot prints
� Educate yourself about customs &
activities
� Respect privacy and dignity of others
� Do not buy products from endangered
plants or animals
� Always follow designated tracks
� Support conservation-oriented
programmes
� Utilize only environmental sound
transportation
� Patronize agencies with strong
principles of conservation
� Travel and stay with minimum
requirements
Understand the fragility of Eco system
… Take only memories, Quartize
formations at Orvakallu. Local community
involvement … In step with tribals, Tribal
dance at Ettipotala,
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
Constraints for Eco-tourism
� Policy Constraints- ‘Ambiguous’ and
‘Contradicting’
� ‘National Tourism Policy, 2002’
identifies NP and WLS and Bio-
diversity areas as unique resources for
eco-tourism whereas ‘National Wildlife
Action Plan, 2002’, ‘Forest
Conservation Act, 1980’ and ‘Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972’ are highly
conservative.
� ‘National Tourism Policy, 2002’
proposes for ‘sustainable beach and
coastal tourism’ to be developed on a
more flexible approach whereas the
Coastal Regulation Act Notification,
1991’ is inflexible.
� The AP Scheduled Areas Land
Transfer Regulations, 1959 prohibits
transfer of immovable properties to
non-tribal persons. Eco-tourism
development potential in tribal areas
not utilized to the optimum level.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
• Forest Department to ensure that
the entire legal framework,
relevant Acts & Provisions, present
Policies and Guidelines are
complied with and Creation of
awareness on this subject to all
the stakeholders.
• Eco-tourism policy may be created
by forming a special committee
with related Departments such as
tourism forest Hindu regions and
other realized Departments to
enhance the income of the forest
Department and indirectly
promoting the social statues of the
eco-tourism well Known and lesion
known tourism places.
• The forest Departments may take
initiatives in up scaling eco-
tourism spots similarly or which
is more relevant our forest areas
such as high lands, low lands and
available water bodies.
• The seashore areas/ inland water
bodies, bird and wild life
sanctuaries may be utilized with
eco-tourism products which are
best practice in India and
international
• It is suggested that Eco Tourism
has a lot of potential and prospects
to generate revenue in forestry
sector in Tamil Nadu. However
care and sensitivity need to be
exercised so that the goals of
sustainable management are not
lost sight of.
• The responsibilities should be
fixed between forest and other
Departments. In this regard, a
Board or an Authority should
initiate, organize and facilitate for
a fruitful result and all sided
development of forest
Department.
• Many tourists with no orientation
on eco-awareness and nature
interpretation, have little interest
Recommendations / Outcomes
44
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
in nature, visit forest for
entertainment and thrill. Resultant
noisy and screaming tourist
wearing colorful dresses roam in
the forest causing irritation to wild
animal, harassing animal resulting
sometimes even to Man-Animal
Conflicts and polluting
environment leading to chaos and
damaging ecosystem. Therefore
it is essential to enhance
awareness about eco-tourism
a world class eco-awareness,
nature education, eco-
interpretation and nature
recreation centre should be
established in Chennai,
Coimbatore, Trichy and
Madurai.
• Development and Customization
of Eco-Tourism Products like
Development of eco-tourism
activities according to different
target group to School and College
student, Family and Senior
Citizen, Nature lover and
Researchers, Foreign Tourist
Natural and Wildlife Photographer.
Eco-tourism activities that can be
promoted in Coastal areas,
Educative activities, Activities in
river and waterfall, Adventure
sports activities on land,
Adventure sports activities in the
sky, Eco-tourism services, like
Quality of eco tour guides,
Marketing Publicity, Transportation
arrangement, Accommodation
facilities, Cleanliness and hygiene
and Catering etc., Responsibilities
should be clearly assigned to
stakeholders and Park manager
should be clear and operates within
carrying capacity.
• Presently there is no separate
eco-tourism wing in Forest
Department. Therefore in order to
organize, direct and ensure an
effective implementation and
management of eco-tourism
45
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
objectives and principles in the
State, a separate eco-tourism
Board or an Authority should be
established for effective utilization
and management of resources for
eco-tourism in order to achieve
economic and livelihood
development of the State.
• Engagement of Joint Forest
Management Committee (JFMC),
Village Forest Committee (TAP)
and Eco Development Committee
(EDC) members in Eco-Tourism
activities and services need to be
streamed line and operational zed
through Self Help Groups.
46
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
47
State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
List of participants
S.No. Name and Designation
1. Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, I.A.S.,(Retd.),Vice-Chairman, State Planning Commission,Chennai – 5.
2. Thiru S. Krishnan, I.A.S.,Principal Secretary to Government,Planning,Development and Special Initiatives Department,Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009.
3. Dr. Sugato Dutt, I.F.S.,Member-Secretary (i/c), State Planning Commission,Chepauk, Chennai – 5.
4. Thiru Lakshmi Narayan, IFS, PCCF & CWLW,Department of Forest, Chennai -15
5. Tmt. K.Geethanjali, IFS,Wildlife warden, Chennai.
6. Mr. M.Yuvaraj,Asst. General Manager,Jungle lodges and Resorts Ltd, Karnataka State
7. Thiru.Limatoshi, IFS, CCF (F),Saidapet, Chennai - 15.
8. Thiru Sanjay.K.Srivastawa, IFSDepartment of Forest, Chennai-15
9. Thiru.V.Kadal,Deputy Secretary to Govt., (Tourism),Tourism and Culture Department, Chennai-9.
10 Dr. S.Bakthavachalam,Additional Director, Tourism Department,Chennai-2.
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State Planning Commission,Tamil Nadu
11. Thiru. M.Kavitha,Additional Commissioner H.R.& C.E Department,Chennai-34.
12. Dr. S.Vasanthi Commissioner (i/c)Department of Archeology,Egmore, Chennai-8.
13. Thiru. A.ChandirasekaranAO/ADB work/ Tourism Department,Chennai-5.
14. Thiru. T.Thanga Tamil ArasanTamil Nadu Bio-Diversity Board, Tamil Nadu,Chennai.
15. Mr. M.S. Ashou DeenArchaeological chemistry, Department of Archaeology,Chennai.
16. M.Ganamani,Civil Engineer, Department of Tourism (ADB Project)
17. Thiru. N. Prabaharan,General Manager, Department of Tourism,Chennai - 2.
18. Thiru. M.P. Pari,Accounts Officer, ADB Project,Dept of Tourism, Chennai - 2.
19. Thiru. A.Venugopal,Asst.Director, Department of Tourism,Chennai - 2.
20 Thiru. G.Kamarajan,Asst.Director, Department of Tourism,Chennai - 2.