Tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai on Friday sought relaxation of rules to allow hotel construction within a 10 km radius of protected forests. The controversial statement comes at a time when the Supreme Court has slapped an interim ban on tourism in core of tiger reserve areas.
"Tourism secretary is trying hard to correct the anomaly as it encompasses the hotel industry. Adherence to the stipulation would keep tourists away from such destinations because of problems of commuting long distances," Sahai said. He was speaking at the inauguration of Great Domestic Tourism Bazaar organised by FICCI in association with ADTOI at New Delhi.
As per the Environment Protection Act, no construction work can be carried within 10 km radius of protected forests. For any type of construction, a no objection certificate from the National Board for Wildlife or the revenue department is mandatory.
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