UDUPI: The forest department has plans to place high-definition 360⁰ cameras inside core forest areas across the state to capture wildlife visuals live and show them to tourists at audio-visual centres outside the forest, thereby promoting eco-tourism.
Soon, places will be identified and cameras installed in forests where tourism activities are not allowed, said minister for forests Arvind Limbavali. He was speaking to media after holding an official review meeting in Udupi and visiting the Kandla vana (mangrove forest) in Kundapur on Saturday.
“We have permission to commence eco-tourism projects in forest areas. However, there are several restrictions when it comes to development of tourism there. We have developed tourism projects in Bandipur by strictly adhering to rules. However, it is not possible to carry out such projects in core forest areas. Hence, we have directed officials to use technology and develop eco-tourism in such locations. Cameras will be fixed to shoot videos of wildlife, and the footage will be shown to enthusiasts at various centres. Work has already begun at Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve. Such projects can also be implemented in forest areas of coastal districts,” he said.
The minister said mangrove forests protect the coast from cyclones and tsunamis. “I wanted to see how mangrove forests are grown here. The coast of Kundapur is a breeding area for lady fish. We need to promote eco-tourism here, and the revenue generated should be utilised to develop more mangrove forests in backwaters. We are planning to grow mangrove forests at some locations along the state coastline,” he added.
