Tourism minister bats for hotels within 10km radius of tiger reserves

NEW DELHI: Tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai on Friday sought relaxation of rules to allow hotel construction within a 10 km radius of protected forests. The controversial statement comes at a time when the Supreme Court has slapped an interim ban on tourism in core of tiger reserve areas.

"Tourism secretary is trying hard to correct the anomaly as it encompasses the hotel industry. Adherence to the stipulation would keep tourists away from such destinations because of problems of commuting long distances," Sahai said. He was speaking at the inauguration of a FICCI function.

As per the Environment Protection Act, no construction work can be carried within 10 km radius of protected forests. For any type of construction, a no objection certificate from the National Board for Wildlife or the revenue department is mandatory.

Sahai said, "The tourism industry needs to motivate the domestic travelers to extend their stays and explore places beyond their chosen destination."

He asked FICCI to sensitize and motivate states to build budget hotels on properties owned by the government and bring tourism development on their political and economic agenda.