(a) whether the Government is taking any steps to promote tourism in the Jayanti forest;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to make the forest area plastic free and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has taken any steps to solve the water scarcity problem in the forests and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a) & (b): Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination and as part of its on-going activities, annually releases domestic and international print, electronic and online media campaigns under the ‘Incredible India’ brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products in the different States and Union Territories of the country. Promotions are also undertaken through the website and Social Media accounts of the Ministry. In addition, the India Tourism Offices in India and overseas undertake various promotional activities with the objective of showcasing the tourism potential and products of the Country.
West Bengal Forest Development Corporation operates ‘Buxa Jungle Lodge’ in Jayanti Forest area for Tourists.
(c): The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change informed that they have requested Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Head of Forest Force of all States and Union Territories to take up awareness generation campaigns/drives, sensitization programmes in a big way to prohibit single use plastics in the Forests in general and in all the Tiger Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Zoological Parks etc. in particular.
(d): The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change informed that they have requested Financial and technical assistance to the State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Development of Wildlife Habitat for taking up wildlife conservation activities and habitat improvement works such as construction of waterholes, ponds, lakes etc.
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