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Uttarakhand Forward 2.0 is the second edition of The Times of India’s flagship video series spotlighting the state’s journey of growth, innovation and transformative governance. Through exclusive conversations with policymakers, administrators, industry leaders, educationists and experts, the series explores the ideas, initiatives and vision shaping Uttarakhand’s future across infrastructure, clean energy, education, tourism, sustainability and more. The campaign highlights the policies driving progress, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the roadmap for the state’s next phase of development.
Can tourism and conservation go hand in hand?
As Uttarakhand balances growing tourism with the need to protect its rich forests and wildlife, the conversation around sustainable development has never been more important.In this episode of Uttarakhand Forward 2.0, Richa Jain Kalra speaks with Prasanna Kumar Patro, MD, Ecotourism Development Corporation, CCF Ecotourism & CCF (HRD), Department of Forest, Government of Uttarakhand, about the state’s vision for preserving its natural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods. The discussion explores ecotourism, forest conservation, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, forest fires, biodiversity, community participation through Van Panchayats, and the role of local communities in protecting Uttarakhand’s ecosystems.
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From mass tourism to value tourism
Mr. Patro outlined an ecotourism vision centred on smaller destinations, local participation and low-impact travel. “Experiential tourism is very important,” he said, stressing the need to move from mass tourism towards value tourism.
What does the road ahead look like?
The conversation also explored livelihoods, Van Panchayats and the need to spread tourism to remote areas while reducing pressure on popular destinations. Looking ahead, Patro said Uttarakhand should develop smaller destinations that are “less capital intensive, less carbon footprint”, while building on the state’s natural strengths to emerge as a leading ecotourism destination.
