Black cumin will be cultivated in the cluster of villages Neeti, lata and Gamsali falling in the area of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Home stay for pilgrims will be developed in 34 villages. This decision was taken at the State-level meeting of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve presided over by the Chief Secretary, Subhash Kumar.
The CS has given orders to encourage home stay facilities to boost the income of the villagers. This, he said, would also promote tourism. Tourists are always keen to stay in the natural environment and local culture. They could be attracted by offering a home like environment. He has given directions to develop 5 houses each in the villages of Neeti, lata and Gamsali under a pilot project. Their numbers will be gradually increased in coming years. There is a plan to provide two rooms, clean toilets and beddings. Tourists will stay as paying guests. They will be provided with home food.
Besides this, the Chief Secretary has given directions to promote the area with the support of black cumin approach. In the first stage, this work will be taken up in 34 villages. There is a high demand for cumin in the market and this too will add on to the incomes of the villagers. During the meeting, approval was given to providing Rs 3.36 crore for the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve 2013-14 action plan. Under this, Rs 97.85 lakh will be allotted for natural resource management, Rs 24.76 lakh for infrastructure development, Rs 28 lakh for socioeconomic activities, Rs 26.50 lakf for social welfare activities, Rs 21.50 lakh for eco tourism support, Rs 8.25 lakh for capacity building and awareness and Rs 9 lakh for institutional support.
Other dignitaries including Principal Secretary Forest, S Ramaswamy, PCCF Dr RBS Rawat, Director, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, BK Gangtey, Additional Secretary, Forest Manoj Chandran, and other senior officials were present there.