CM for efforts to develop eco tourism
LUCKNOW: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday asked the forest department to tap resources for developing ecotourism in the state.
“Tourists visit Delhi, Agra and then go to Jaipur. However, efforts should be made to develop the entire state as a tourism hub . The department should make sincere effort to promote tourism ,” the CM told the gathering at the closing ceremony of ‘Wildlife Week’ at Lucknow Zoo.
Yogi said a good consultant could be appointed to develop eco-tourism in the state. “At present 12 to 14 lakh people visit Lucknow Zoo annually. This figure should be between 50 to 60 lakh for which efforts are required,” he said.
Speaking about peaceful co-existence of humans and animals, the CM said, “Animals do not harm one unless they feel a threat. Efforts should be made to bring people close to animals, nature and bio-diversity.” He also administered oath to participants to develop better environment and not to harm animals.
Explaining the long standing association of human beings and animals, Adityanath said, “. It is believed that avatars (deities) that came on this earth before human beings were all in the form of animals like matsyavatar, kurma avatar, varahavatar and narsingh avatar.”
Prizes were given to winners of competitions held during the Wildlife Week.