Eco-tourism in the state is expected to receive a big boost with the state cabinet on Thursday approving the proposal to set up Eco-Tourism Development Board.

The forest minister will be the board’s chairman. Announcing the decision, higher education minister VS Acharya said the initiative would help the government immensely in protecting the wildlife, creating awareness about it, encouraging eco-tourism, forest safaris and also prevent damage to eco-system in the name of tourism.

Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have already set up such boards to boost eco-tourism. Acharya said the board would bring private investments to the state and avail consultancy.

Tourist spots like Bandipur National Park would see huge improvement in tapping the tourism potential, he added.