From adavanne@rediffmail.com Sun Mar 14 15:49:30 2004
Date: 13 Mar 2004 07:57:52 -0000
From: adavanne shiva prakash 
To: konambi@yahoo.com, tvlcbbsxc@sancharnet.in, aa@agri.nerist.ac.in,
     akpati19@hotmail.com, sulo@caos.iisc.ernet.in, akkguru@eth.net,
     info@atree.org, praveen.karanth@yale.edu, ktts@bgl.vsnl.net.in,
     madhav@ces.iisc.ernet.in, cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in, bnhs@bom3.vsnl.net.in,
     salimali@vsnl.com, arun@ces.iisc.ernet.in
Subject: trekking in karnataka forests


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Dear Sir/madam,

Sub: Eco-tourism

Recently Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has opened up trek through Bandipur National Park, in the name of conservation. KFD tells us that Trek would impart the first hand knowledge about eco-system and bio-diversity, in turn strengthening the government effort to preserve, protect and conserve the existing ecology. They quote USA where eco-tourism is active since 1940^Òs.
 Objective of eco-tourism is to minimize or curtail dependency on natural resources that used to exploit under existing tourism. Secondarily, the park is opened up its unique bio-diversity to one and all.   They are charging as low as Rs. 50/- per day, to prove a point that they are not after money. 
We are gathering information and opinions to substantiate our stand against eco-tourism. In the name of conservation Tribes residing inside the forest are mercilessly vacated. But now it is a different story altogether.
Presently ten routes are opened up for public. Per batch ten persons are allowed. Yet another 12 routes are waiting for opening. Imagine the disturbance to the wild life and its damages. 
And are going to open up numerous routes in through out national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves. 
karnatakawildernesstoursim.org will give details of the trekking routes.
We will be happy to know your views, either favouring or opposing.

Thaking you,

Yours,

a.shivaprakash