In a major setback to Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to promote its eco-tourism potential, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has imposed a complete ban on all non-forest activities, including eco-tourism projects, on forestland.

Till now, the state government has already approved 10 eco-tourism projects typically designed to cater to those keen on living close to nature. Some of these projects have already proved to be a big draw.

In a letter, the MoEF has said: “Eco-tourism has been regarded as non-forest activity. Raising permanent structures to promote eco-tourism amounts to violation of the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act 1980.”

The move, which comes close on the heels of a recent High Court order allowing the state to go ahead with eco-tourism plans, has put the Himachal Pradesh government in a quandary. The government had drawn up an ambitious plan to link tourism with forest conservation and also showcasing its forests before the visitors through eco-tourism.