Development of Sustainable Ecotourism at Nagpur District, Maharashtra, India

Ecotourism is been initiated in Maharashtra and Nagpur District, credit goes to the Maharashtra State- Nagpur Forest Department Staff who are doing exemplary work in forest conservation and ecotourism development to some extent. Ecotourism development at Nagpur District can be prominently noticed at Pench Tiger Reserve and just introduced in Bor Wildlife Sanctuary and Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UKWLS). Subsequently to some studies here at these sanctuaries it was observed and requested by the local people and Guides of Bor Wildlife Sanctuary and UKWLS that they need more socio- economic welfare considerations for their community development. Guides have appealed for their further safety and security deep inside the forest due to no network, quality of uniform and no jobs during off–season. More informative training programs related to conservation, sustainable practices, and social wellbeing of the participants should be arranged for the tourists and local people.

What about the other panoramic natural areas available in Nagpur District, who will take care of it?  Places having natural beauty and potential to attract tourists are usually ignored in terms of its holistic development and maintenance. There are some good places near Nagpur  the rural areas which can be framed as ecotourism spots to create the economic ripples of community development. The attractive natural spots nearby are Adasa, Ambhora, , Khekranala, Mansar, Ramtek –Khindsi, Waki Woods, Zilpi Lake, Mahakali dam, etc. People visit these spots, enjoy and leave their disturbing traces onto the ecology. These spots needs urgent attention for its sustainability point of view. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Nagpur department needs to get more conscious and take initiative in conservation, social and economic uplift at these spots, which are the three key elements of Ecotourism.

Also, tourists should transform themselves to responsible tourists or Eco tourists by following the below listed guidelines:

Do's

*Follow all rules & guidelines at the spot.

*Gather all information about the place.

*Remove & carry back your litter from spot.  

*Respect the natural, cultural & holy places.

*Follow local customs & be friendly with locals.   

*In conserved areas stay on the trackway.

*Use local guides’ services.

*Buy products from locals. 

*Look for environment friendly tour operators

* Stay at eco hotels.

*Carry reusable water containers.

*Ask for permission before taking local’s pics. 

Don’ts       

*Conserve nature by not plucking the plants.  

*Never disturb & harm the wildlife habitat.

*Keep local water clean by not using detergents, litter, urinating in water streams.

*Contribute to conservation by making no open fires using wood, etc.

*Do not put loud music or other electronic entertainment.

*Don’t consume alcohol, cigarettes or drugs.

* Don’t buy products made out of protected animals or species.  

*Do not make the spot dirty, use toilets.

*Do not exploit local children.   

For any natural destination to sustain it needs development in terms of ecotourism principles. If all the stake holders of tourism i.e. tourists, local people, officials- governing bodies, travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers become aware of importance of sustainability of the natural spots through Ecotourism, then Nagpur will surely outshine and set example.