Will Tripura Establish Six Eco-Parks to Enhance Tourism and Protect Forests?
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Synopsis
Discover how Tripura's ambitious plan to establish six eco-parks promises to bolster tourism while prioritizing forest conservation. This initiative is set to benefit local communities, create jobs, and enhance the state's rich biodiversity.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura is launching six eco-parks to enhance tourism.
- The initiative aims to protect forests and support local communities.
- An investment of Rs 10 crore is planned for the eco-parks.
- The governance will be managed by the Joint Forest Management Group.
- Projects funded by international agencies are underway to support forest management.
Agartala, Aug 6 (NationPress) In a strategic move to enhance tourism while safeguarding forests, the Tripura Forest Department is set to launch six eco-parks across the state, announced state Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma on Wednesday.
The Minister emphasized that these eco-parks are designed to not only promote tourism and conservation but also to create livelihood opportunities for local communities.
“The six eco-parks will be established in six of the eight districts of the state, excluding Dhalai and South Tripura. An estimated budget of Rs 10 crore will be allocated for this initiative,” Debbarma informed IANS. He noted that the governance of these eco-parks will be managed by the Joint Forest Management Group (JFMG).
The primary objective of the Forest Department is to build valuable assets and strategically utilize resources while planning around forest areas.
Minister Debbarma also announced the creation of roadside market zones and forest producers' outlets, aimed at enabling local residents to sell forest and agricultural products directly by the roadside.
Previously, the Minister mentioned that the state government is executing three externally supported projects aimed at forest protection and improving the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. One of these projects is funded by the Government of Japan via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a soft loan, another is a grant from the Federal Republic of Germany through KFW, and the third is a World Bank-funded project worth Rs 1,764.94 crore.
The World Bank is specifically supporting the Enhancing Landscape and Ecosystem Management (ELEMENT) Project in Tripura, which concentrates on forest management, community development, and improving livelihoods within the state. This project aims to generate employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women, by fostering forest-based entrepreneurship in Tripura.
Point of View
The initiative by Tripura's Forest Department presents a commendable approach to harmonizing environmental sustainability with economic growth. By prioritizing eco-tourism and community engagement, Tripura sets a precedent for other states to follow. This model can generate significant interest and investment in preserving India's rich biodiversity while enhancing the livelihoods of its citizens.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the objectives of Tripura's eco-parks?
The eco-parks aim to enhance tourism, protect forests, and create livelihood opportunities for local communities.
How many eco-parks will be developed in Tripura?
Six eco-parks will be established across six districts in Tripura.
What is the budget allocated for the eco-parks?
Approximately Rs 10 crore will be invested in the development of the eco-parks.
Who will manage the eco-parks?
The Joint Forest Management Group (JFMG) will oversee the governance of the proposed eco-parks.
What are the sources of funding for the forest projects in Tripura?
Funding sources include the Government of Japan through JICA, a grant from Germany via KFW, and a World Bank project worth Rs 1,764.94 crore.
