Haryana plans special tourism zones

The Haryana government is considering the proposal to set up special tourism zones on the pattern of special economic zones in the state and places of historical importance would be developed as tourism destinations with the cooperation of the archaeology department so as to promote tourism and the state's rich cultural heritage in a big way.

Disclosing this Haryana Minister of State for Tourism and Forests, Kiran Chaudhary said that the places of historical importance, which would be developed as tourism destinations, would also be inter-linked to facilitate tourists. She said that the tourism in Haryana would be developed as a big industry as it would not only yield revenue for the state, but also generate employment opportunities.

Giving credit to former Chief Minister Bansi Lal for the development of tourism in Haryana, she said that Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda was also committed to give desired boost to tourism in the State.

She said that according to an estimate, as many as 40 crore (400 million) domestic and foreign tourists would visit various tourist destinations during the next financial year, therefore, tourist places, based on 'Haryanvi culture' would be developed at different places to attract them.

She said that a new policy was being formulated for conservation of forests and increase the green cover in the state. Under this policy, common people would be associated with forestation and students would be encouraged to plant more trees.

She said that she had impressed upon the Education Minister to include plantation of trees in the curriculum of students. A target has also been fixed to plant 4.50 crore (45 million) more trees in the State during the next financial year, she added.