The draft eco-tourism policy released by the states Forest Department, envisages district level eco-tourism plans, creation of such sites in public private PARTNERSHIP in identified areas, development of eco-tourism circuit, involvement of local communities besides conserving the existing and ecosystem in Haryana.
The policy will be applicable to all types of notified forest lands in the State and areas covered under Punjab Land Preservation Act wherever the owners of such lands become partners in the eco-tourism projects.
Around 3.5 per cent Haryanas land is under the administrative control of the Forest Department, with two national parks, seven wildlife sanctuaries, two Ramsar sites, two conservation reserves, five community reserves and many faunal habitats in addition to the old Aravalli hill range, Shivalik hills and host of water bodies.
As per the India State of Forest Report 2019, the recorded forest area (RFA) in Haryana is 1,559 sq km of which 249 sq km is reserved forests, 1,158 sq km is protected forests and 152 sq km is unclassed forests.
The eco-tourism activities included in the States policy are nature camps, eco-friendly accommodation, trekking and nature walks, wildlife viewing, adventure Sports, angling, educational tours and excursions, herbal eco-tourism, medical and Health activities, religious and cultural eco-tourism, visitor interpretation centres and conservation Education among others.
Under the policy, potential sites will be identified jointly by the Department of Forests and Wildlife and Department of Tourism and will be prioritised for phased development. An eco-tourism circuit will also be created which will allow the visitors to access the existing infrastructures related to eco-tourism in the State.