IIPA Lecture on developing Eco-Tourism in J&K

Dr. C M Seth, Former Chairman J&K State pollution Control Board and State Co-Convener J&K chapter INTACH delivered a lecturing on developing Eco-tourism in J&K State. He emphasized that the Jammu region has remained neglected in terms of tourism in general and eco-tourism in particular and further emphasized that the draft Tourism policy must include development of eco tourism in the state as the state has immense potential but the lack of tourism policy hiders the growth in the region. He said that while the community can play a significant role in development and sustenance of eco tourism without disturbing the ecology, at the same time the ecologically frail areas should be conserved. Dr. Seth spoke at length about the relevance of the three geo climatic regions-Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh which have their own set of natural assets including mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, rivers and caves, which can be exploited.
Sh. Suresh Chugh, IFS PCCF Forest/Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K who was the guest of Honor at the function in his address stressed that the state of J&K is blessed with a large number of endemic and rare plants and animals. But with such wealth comes greater responsibility to protect them. He emphasized the need for community involvement and the carrying capacity of an area should be considered for sustainability of eco-tourism. He further added that people should understand that the development of eco tourism in an area will ultimately help people in the region economically.
Sh Farooq Ahmed Shah, Secretary, Tourism department, J&K State who was the chief guest on the occasion assured that the main focus of the new tourism policy will be on development of eco-tourism in the state. He said that development of eco tourism should be the duty of each one of us and that the state of J&K which is naturally so rich in tourism heritage can become an ideal state for eco-tourism. He also said that we must learn and adopt models from successful countries such as Bhutan, Japan and European countries which are promoting eco-tourism without compulsions.
The lecture was organized under the guidance of Sh. Ashok Bhan, Patron IIPA, Sh. B R Sharma (IAS), Chairman IIPA and Sh JBS Johar Hon’ble Secretary, IIPA J&K Regional Branch.
Sh. S K Gupta presented a formal vote of thanks while Dr. Komal Nagar, Joint Director Seminar, IIPA conducted the proceedings of the function.