After getting bumps from the all side, over land allotment to Eco-tourism projects, Chief Conservator of Forests, Eco- Tourism said that all allegations are baseless and far from facts. Conservator said that no land has been allotted to any Eco Tourism Project. He said that parties who had qualified technical and financial bids had been allowed to carry out approved activities in the designated one hectare area. This area has been mapped by the DFO of each site and handed over to the parties.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Eco Tourism said that out of the 82 shortlisted proposals considered, the highest bidders were selected and the entire process was duly approved by the competent authority. The figures of the amount of tender have been quoted incorrectly. The agreement is for five years.
He said that the Bar, restaurant and spa requisite permission/licence has been granted by the competent authority. Only tents/bamboo huts and Swiss cottages are allowed, all being temporary structures. The work of FRH Kangra was stopped as violation of MoA was found. Eco-tourism facilities are to be spread all over the State, their proximity to national highways happens to be incidental. In on project the Hon’ble High Court of H.P. has recommended modifications in the MoA and accordingly it was made effective to all the eco-tourism sites subsequently.
