By IANS
Jaipur : Rajasthan government is developing a biodiversity park in Jhalana forest on the outskirts of Jaipur to lure eco-tourists.
“We are developing the forest under Rajasthan biodiversity project with an investment of around Rs.2.5 million,” a forest department official said.
The park, being developed on about 470 hectare in Kho-Nagoria area of Jhalana, is aimed at giving a fillip to eco-tourism.
A circular track of 8-10 km across the forest has already been constructed.
Tourists would be able to drive their vehicles on this track to see the wildlife in the park. Environment camps would also be organised to generate awareness among tourists about the ecology of the area.
Besides this, camel and horse safaris would be organised around the forested Jhalana hills.
An anicut (a type of dam), enclosures and waterholes have also been built so that wildlife could live in their natural habitat.
The official said that the anicut would become an ideal place for migrant birds to roost.
Tourists would be able to see several varieties of wild fauna including deer, monkey, hyena, fox, sambhar and blue bull in the park.
Tourists would also be able to access detailed information on various medicinal plants and their uses. The park has over 30 species of rare medicinal plants. Every tree would have its nomenclature written, the official said.
Rajasthan has prepared a draft eco-tourism policy, still under consideration of the government, which aims at ensuring optimum utilisation of the rich biodiversity of natural resources, cultural heritage and nature-related historical sites for socio-economic development of the state.
Rajasthan is home to 25 wildlife sanctuaries including two tiger reserves at Sariska and Ranthambore and a bird sanctuary at Bharatpur. These attract a large number of domestic and international tourists.