Undefiled countryside and immaculate forest areas are paradise indeed. And to tap the tourism potential of pristine hitherto untouched beautiful landscape, the state Forest department is holding discussions with all stakeholders for developing a better mechanism.

The state Eco Tourism society through its seminar on ‘Eco Tourism for Employment Generation and Biodiversity Conservation’ on Friday sought suggestions to increase ease of access for tourists who want to visit the state to enjoy the natural beauty. 

“Himachal Pradesh is known for its rich natural heritage which enlists itself among the top tourist destinations in the country for nature enthusiasts, trekkers, campers and lovers of aesthetic beauty Mother nature offers,” Tarun Kapoor, Principal Secretary, Forests said.

Though it is relatively challenging to offer hospitality services in the hill state as facilities of water supply, sanitation, sewage links, and availability of necessary goods of daily use that we take for granted in the cities, are unevenly and sometimes scarcely distributed across difficult undulating terrain.

An earnest effort for sincere innovation, scientific and cultural, to meet such everyday obstacles is vital, he said.

However, the stakeholders called for better management of natural resources and training locals engaged in tourism industry on introducing diverse wilderness and virgin eco system of HP to visitors while minimizing negative impact on the ecological balance of the state.

“The tourism opportunities in a particular area should be linked with employment to locals as they would not only guide the tourists in better way but they can also help in maintaining and persevering eco-system,” he added

The need for fostering adequate safeguards mechanism as systems of protection and conservation of natural bounty were discussed by offering case studies and sharing personal experience and expertise.

The experts also called for adopting new eco-friendly measures as Organic Waste Converter machine which is employed at one of the premium resorts near Shimla. The system converts 300 kilograms of organic waste into manure.