The Siddaramaiah dispensation in Karnataka is considering a new eco-tourism policy aimed at decongestion. It is also expected to declare the Kudremukh forest area in Chikmagalur district a tiger reserve. Mining in the area has been halted by the Supreme Court since 2005.
Karnataka Forest Minister Ramanath Rai told The Pioneer the policy would look into all aspects to safeguard critical and sensitive forest areas. “Eco-tourism is a new concept and Karnataka is interested in promoting it. We are in the process of identifying new spots though safeguarding the environment will be our priority, for which we will formulate guidelines,” he added.
He cautioned against mass tourism that can cause irreversible damage to environment, forests, wildlife and local culture. Rai said the forest department and Karnataka Eco-tourism Development Board (KEDB) will be stepping in to play the role of facilitator and regulator.
The Forest Minister also said the department would reclaim encroached land in the forest areas according to directions of the Supreme Court. Evicted persons would be rehabilitated outside sanctuaries. According to KEDB CEO Vinay luthra, the policy is being finalised in accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) directions and will be announced before October 15, the deadline set by NTCA for all States.
He said, “Karnataka has been a leader in eco-tourism through jungle lodges and resorts. But our aim is not to allow eco-tourism to deteriorate into mass tourism in forest areas.” It is expected that State-run and private resorts operating in forest areas will have to conform to guidelines — with best practices — to maintain the fragile ecosystem and natural habitat of wild animals.
According to the last census in 2011, Karnataka has an estimated 300 tigers in its reserved forests — the highest in the country. It has five tiger reserves, 21 sanctuaries and five national parks.