Karnataka to Guide Jharkhand on Eco-Tourism, Sustainable Tourism; States to Sign Agreement Soon: KJ George
Bengaluru, September 3: Karnataka will provide guidance to Jharkhand on developing eco-tourism and sustainable tourism by sharing its experience, technical expertise and best practices, with the two states set to enter into an agreement soon, Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George said.
George announced the proposed cooperation after a meeting at Energy Bhavan in Bengaluru with a delegation led by Jharkhand Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar.
The Jharkhand delegation studied Karnataka’s approach to eco-tourism and sustainable tourism, development of tourist destinations, and models that seek to link tourism with local employment and economic activity.
The delegation also examined Karnataka’s experience in planning, implementing and managing tourism projects and expressed interest in drawing on the state’s models and technical experience for developing eco-tourism projects in Jharkhand.
Under the proposed cooperation, the Karnataka Tourism Department will share its experience with Jharkhand in planning eco-tourism projects, selecting suitable models, implementing projects and adopting best practices related to sustainable tourism.
George said Karnataka was working to link tourism development with environmental conservation, local employment and sustainable economic growth. He said the fact that other states were studying Karnataka’s experience and seeking to adopt its practices was a positive development.
Karnataka is prepared to provide the guidance required for developing eco-tourism in Jharkhand and share its best practices, the minister said.
Jharkhand Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar appreciated Karnataka’s eco-tourism and sustainable tourism initiatives and said his state wanted to study Karnataka’s experience and identify practices that could be adapted to Jharkhand’s environment and tourism potential.
Kumar said Jharkhand intended to enter into an agreement with Karnataka soon and begin the next phase of work.
Tourism Department Secretary Dr Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, said infrastructure creation alone was not sufficient for the success of a tourism project. Local ecology, communities, visitor experience and the long-term management of projects must be considered together, he said.
Based on Karnataka’s practical experience in these areas, the state could guide Jharkhand during the planning and implementation stages, Manohar said, adding that the proposed cooperation could serve as a model for the exchange of knowledge and best practices between states.
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