Srinagar, July 17: Observing that eco-tourism has received world-wide attention, the Minister for Forests and Environment Main Altaf Ahmad Tuesday said the J&K Government too has taken various prompt measures to promote the sector.
 Addressing a public meeting at Hangipora-Kaprin Dooru in Anantnag (Islambad), after inaugurating residential quarters at Verinag, Main Altaf said under Compensatory Management Planning Authority (CAMPA), tourist infrastructure is being developed at various destinations with focus on eco-friendly projects for the sustainable development of the state.
 Main Altaf also laid foundation stone of a Rs. 31 lakh Forest Rest House at Hingipora-Kaprin and said these facilities will help in the promotion of tourism in the area. However, he cautioned against destruction of forests, saying that “Jammu and Kashmir is known for its forest greenery and natural beauty since long and any sort of damage to this natural wealth will badly affect tourism prospects and environment of the state.”
 He sought people’s cooperation to curb forest smuggling effectively.
 Main Altaf said that Government has facilitated import of timber to assure its availability to the consumers in abundance which will reduce the pressure on the forests of the state. He announced that government will open more timber sale depots across the state. “The government has facilitated forest clearance for construction of roads and other projects of immense public importance, on fast track basis, so that speedy socio - economic transformation takes place in far fling areas of the state,” he said.
 Main Altaf directed the forest officers to provide timber to the consumers especially living near the forest areas expeditiously so that they can construct their houses before the onset of winter.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST