The decision of the Union Ministry of Tourism endorsing the proposal for tourism development activities in the buffer zones of five major tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh has brought relief to Madhya Pradesh. Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar informed that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has declared 2015 as Tourism Year.
The State Tourism Development Corporation had sent a proposal of Swadesh Darshan Yojana for development of Wildlife Tourism Circuit in tiger reserves of the State to the Central Government. Shejwar has expressed gratitude towards Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma for sanctioning Rs 93 crore for development of Wildlife Tourism Circuits.
The Minister said buffer zones of five tiger reserves including Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Sanjay and Pench have been included in the project. For eco-tourism expansion, camping, trekking, natural trek and sight-seeing activities will be held for tourists. Machan, Pagoda, tree-hut, tree-house etc will be made so that tourists can fully enjoy their stay amidst nature.
Shejwar said that there is immense tourist pressure on all national parks and tiger reserves in the state. As per Centre's rules, a specific number of tourists can be allowed in reserves. Due to it, a large number to tourists remain deprived of entry into forest areas. With permission for tourism in buffer zones, tourists will be able to enter forest areas and see tigers and other wild animals, he added.