In a major setback to Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to promote its eco-tourism potential, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has imposed a complete ban on all non-forest activities, including eco-tourism projects, on forestland.
Till now, the state government has already approved 10 eco-tourism projects typically designed to cater to those keen on living close to nature. Some of these projects have already proved to be a big draw.
In a letter, the MoEF has said: “Eco-tourism has been regarded as non-forest activity. Raising permanent structures to promote eco-tourism amounts to violation of the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act 1980.”
The move, which comes close on the heels of a recent High Court order allowing the state to go ahead with eco-tourism plans, has put the Himachal Pradesh government in a quandary. The government had drawn up an ambitious plan to link tourism with forest conservation and also showcasing its forests before the visitors through eco-tourism.
“This is really unacceptable as eco-tourism has been recognised world over as key subsistence activity for those who have surrendered their rights in the forests and help in their conservation. How will we create their interest in the forest protection unless they are provided an alternative means of livelihood and income?” says Avey Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary (Forests).
Shukla claims that he has already taken up the issue with the inspector general of forests and asked him to review the decision. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, during his next visit to Delhi, is also expected to meet Union Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh to seek withdrawal of the ministry’s latest directive to the states.
In the letter sent last month, C D Singh, Senior Assistant Inspector General of Forests in the ministry, had come down heavily against the governments for allowing non-forest activities without prior approval of the ministry. Singh has asked the Government of Haryana in particular to provide details of all such activities undertaken in the forest area, directing other states, including Himachal, to refrain from allowing similar violations on forestland.
In fact, the letter also sought details about the officers who had sanctioned eco-tourism projects in the forest areas and allowed construction of permanent facilities for eco-tourism.
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