PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Ramnagar
The Forest minister Subodh Uniyal stressed the need for responsible tourism and courteous behaviour towards visitors for the long-term survival of the Corbett landscape. “If you treat tourists well, Corbett will survive and if Corbett survives, you will survive, too,” he said while addressing the Corbett Literature Festival in Ramnagar on Tuesday.
He further said that all stakeholders in wildlife tourism from the jeep drivers, nature guides, local people to the forest department officials and employees have an important role in taking Corbett to greater heights. “While wildlife conservation remains a priority, collective efforts are also needed to minimise human-wildlife conflict and present a positive image of Corbett Tiger Reserve before visitors from India and abroad,” he noted.
Highlighting Corbett’s identity as synonymous with the Himalayas, the minister stated that the region’s natural heritage is now a global talking point. “So, promoting responsible tourism is essential,” he stated.
In his address, the principal secretary, Forests, R K Sudhanshu appreciated the awareness programmes being organised in and around Corbett Tiger Reserve and stressed the need to further strengthen local community participation in conservation initiatives.
The chief wildlife warden, Nina Grewal said that Uttarakhand’s natural heritage must be protected while promoting tourism. She emphasised the need for stronger measures for environmental protection to maintain the delicate balance between conservation and tourism.
Addressing the gathering, Corbett Tiger Reserve director Saket Badola said that the presence of more than 500 tigers across the Corbett landscape was a significant achievement for wildlife conservation in India. He stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between wildlife conservation, local communities and tourism.
Padma Shri recipients Kalyan Singh Rawat and Madhuri Bartwal also shared their views on maintaining a balance between nature and the environment.
Among others present on the occasion were the deputy director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rahul Mishra, DFOs Dhruv Martolia, Puneet Tomar and Manish Joshi and SDOs Sandeep Giri and Ankit Badola.
