MTDC goes green to develop tourism
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) joins hand with the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra and signs an MOU to enhance Wildlife Tourism in a sustainable way.
With
a view to develop four major wildlife sanctuaries of Nagzira, Tadoba, Navegoan and Melghat, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has recently signed a MoU with Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM). Both the entities are
It’s our duty to follow the eco-friendly ways for sustainability of the tourism sector. Thus, we tied up with FDCM
jointly implementing the Vidharba Eco-Tourism Mega Circuit Development Project for building, developing and enhancing the four listed sanctuaries for tourism. MTDC is in the process of connecting the forest rest houses with MTDC website for easy access to tourists for booking the accommodation here. Additionally, it is also coming up with a 30-room resort at Tadoba Wildlife Reserve within the next two years to increase accommodation facilities.
Talking about the importance of developing and promoting Wildlife Tourism, Dr Jagdish Patil, Managing Director, MTDC said, “Maharashtra’s Tadoba Wildlife Park accommodates maximum number of tigers in India. Our parks offer real experience of Indian Wildlife Tourism but loses when it comes to infrastructure. However, being a member of ICTP (International Council of Tourism Promotion), it’s our duty to follow the eco-friendly ways for sustainability of the tourism sector. Thus, we tied up with FDCM.” Under the Vidarbha Eco-Tourism mega circuit development project, the MTDC will develop accommodation facilities for tourists at Nagzira, Navegaon, Tadoba and Melghat sanctuaries, while the FDCM will look after developing other facilities such as nature trails, information boards, signage and ‘machans’ (platform for watching animals in wildlife reserves), flora and fauna information system, tree labels, displays on species and their habits, among other things.
Adding further on enhancing the online tool for bookings, Patil said, “Reservation of forest rest houses via MTDC website is in process. Once the facility is implemented, tourists can reserve forest rest houses online, instead of having to personally visit the site or the forest department.” Rest houses in Nagzira are being handed over to the FDCM, which is upgrading them with the help of funding provided by the MTDC. A lot of ‘green upgrades’ are being added, such as solar heating, cooking through biogas, bio-degradable toilets and the likes.