Madhya Pradesh

The state of Madhya Pradesh (MP), is unique in its tourism offering being one of the most prominent states of India that is topographically land locked. But the lack of a coastline has not taken away from its charm, because quite evidently Madhya Pradesh’s unique selling point (USP) is its rich and varied forest cover, easily making it one of the most promising eco-tourism products of India. Playing its strength to its advantage, the state has slowly but surely metamorphosised into an internationally recognised and sought after eco-destination.

The department of tourism, government of Madhya Pradesh’s understanding of the importance of tourism and the benefits derived from it are well presented in their eco-tourism policy. This policy was the outcome of the realisation that the discerning international tourist has become more demanding and seeks newer and more novel forms of tourism. Eco-tourism and adventure tourism has been the recent focus of the state and has taken precedence over all else.

Madhya Pradesh’s tourism policy announced in 1995 highlighted the importance of eco-tourism as an essential component of tourism growth of the state and subsequently the nation. It ear-marked several eco and adventure tourism projects to be promoted in both the national and international market.

Eco-tourism enables tourists to enjoy nature and see wild life in its natural habitat in quiet and serene surroundings. Adventure tourism on the other hand provides the tourist with a special thrill and feeling of adventure whilst participating in sporting activities in rivers, water bodies and hills and mountains. Madhya Pradesh with its richly endowed natural environment, unexploited so far, has immense potential for such sports. Instead of depending on its limited resources, the state government has decided to open up this sector for private participation for optimum utilisation of these natural resources.

Advantage Eco-Tourism

Madhya Pradesh formulated its first but progressive eco-tourism policy in the year 2001-02. The policy reflects the seriousness of the state to develop and promote eco-tourism zones and circuits. The state’s eco-tourism policy identified areas and a host of districts and regions within its fold for eco-promotions, inviting investments and participation from the private sector. New products and tourist attractions have been developed by the state government to lure the eco-tourist. Attractions such as national parks and wild life sanctuaries and activities like canoeing, trekking, jungle safari, white-water rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering, para sailing, para gliding and hot-air ballooning have risen to the fore. Tour operators, travel agents and different members from the hospitality industry along with several other private investors have been urged to partake in the mission of developing and popularising these forms of tourism.

National Parks And WildLife Sanctuaries

Madhya Pradesh is known for its forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries and is famous for its national parks. Kanha and Bandhavgarh, arguably India’s most premium tiger sanctuaries, are both housed in this state. The two parks are today being recognised as examples in wildlife preservation and according to nature experts the national parks thoroughly follow the principles of eco-tourism and are committed to maintaining the ecological balance in nature. Focused drives and initiatives have been taken by the state government and the department of forest, government of MP to maintain the region, keeping the basic essence of the forest and its reserves intact. Serious eco friendly measures have been incorporated to protect the reserve.

Special patrol jeeps are being used across the area for movement and travel. Diesel jeeps are completely banned from the area as they have proven to be hazardous to the wildlife in the region. The entire zone has been recognised as pollution free making it conducive for the tigers and other species and wildlife to live in the region.

Special programmes had been designed for the tribals living within the forest limit. They have been given alternate accommodation, being relocated on the periphery of the national park. The primary philosophy and understanding of eco-tourism warrants eco-projects to be ecologically, socially, culturally and economically sustainable. All these fundamentals have been diligently adhered to at both Kanha and Bandhavgarh. The original tribals of the region apart from receiving alternate accommodation facilitates have also been involved in the activities of the forest preservation and protection plan.

Special revenue generating opportunities and schemes have been provided so that the tribals and locals from the region can benefit from the eco tourism developments in the region. They have been involved in the eco-tourism initiatives of the region. Promoting their local handicrafts, providing them with jobs within the forest territories have been some of the methods undertaken to involve the local manpower into eco tourism projects. Conscious efforts have also been made to minimise human intervention in the area. Tourists are also provided with the most appropriate orientation on the region. Maintaining eco-balance is regimental and severe action is taken against those who have gone against the prescribed rules and regulations of the forest.

The state, apart from gaining popularity in the international market due to the two sanctuaries, also receives large sums of foreign exchange. It is recognised as a major revenue spinner due to a number of international tourists visiting the region.

The private sector has also taken conscious efforts in preserving the sanctity of that place. Apart from the accommodation facilities provided by the government, there are a number of private players who have offered living facilities totally in harmony with the eco tourism concepts. Thus apart from traditional eco-tourism examples, new regions and national parks are gaining prominence. Panha National Park, Pench National Park and Satpura National Park are the new kids on the block.

CANOEING SAFARI AND WHITE WATER RAFTING

Special water sports projects based on the eco tourism concept have been ear-marked by the state government for future development. Water sports projects along the Ken river on the periphery on the Panna National Park would be developed soon, which will include activities such as conoeing safari and white water rafting. A crocodile sanctuary on the Ken river is also initiated for further development. Apart from these, a few scenic spots, especially the Rangaun Dam area close to Khajuraho, Rane waterfall, Pandav falls etc in the Panna region are all part of the special projects for eco tourism initiatives. Apart from river Ken, river Narmada, river Tons, river Chambal, river Son have also been identified as special regions for eco tourism initiatives in the region.

Developing Water Sports

Though the state is not blessed with a sea front, water sports have been planned in various districts across the state. Projects that are part of the development plan of the eco tourism policy of the state in the area of water sports are as follows,

• Tawa Project, District Hoshangabad
• Kaliasot Project, District Bhopal
• Halali Project, District Raisen
• Barna Project, District Raisen
• Gandhi Sagar Project, District Mandsaur
• Tigra Project, District Gwalior
• Harsi Project, District Gwalior
• Mohini Sagar Project, District Shivpuri
• Kolar Project, District Sehore
• Rani Avanti Bai Project, District Jabalpur

Rock Climbing and Mountaineering

The state has also identified a few areas suitable for the promotion of eco tourism associated with mountain activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, trekking etc. Pachmarhi, has been identified as one of the most promising areas for eco tourism promotion in the area of mountaineering. It is one of the most celebrated hill stations of the state girdled in the Satpura range. The region possesses rock paintings in the cave shelters of the Mahadeo hills. Special measures have been identified to preserve the natural highlights of the place. Also popular for its forts, the state has formulated eco tourism measures for fort protection and preservation. Within its latest eco tourism policy, forts such as the Raisen Fort, Gwalior Fort, Narwar Fort, Asirgarh Fort etc have been identified for further development and protection. The Pachmarhi escarpment in the district of Hoshangabad is one of the most ambitious eco tourism initiatives scheduled to be undertaken by the state government.

The state has also set into motion special eco initiatives in the area of rural or village tourism. Special schemes and projects are underway to protect the historical and natural attractions from environmental hazards. Sanchi and Chanderi, regions near the Jabalpur Marble rocks etc have been included under special environment friendly projects. Apart from these, a number of eco-measures have been taken to protect the forest areas, forts and other heritage sites. Investments have been invited from private players in the area of eco tourism. There have been detailed guidelines put into place according to which investments can take place. The state’s heritage tourism policy followed by a proactive eco- tourism policy, has done wonders in boosting tourism into Madhya Pradesh projecting it as one of the must visit destinations of India.

By Reema Sisodia