Date:02/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/02/stories/2007030218340700.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

15 places identified for eco-tourism programme

Staff Reporter

205 villages to be covered in phase two of afforestation programme

CHENNAI: The Forest department has identified 15 places in the State for an eco-tourism programme, State Forest Minister N. Selvaraj said here on Thursday. A proposal had been sent to the Centre.

Some of the places were, the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary near Udhagamandalam, Top Slip at Pollachi, Tirunelveli and Vellore. The programme would cost Rs. 47 crore.

Mr. Selvaraj told reporters that in the second phase of the Tamil Nadu Afforestation Programme (TAP), 42,500 ha of land in 205 villages would be covered.

More funds

There was a considerable increase in allocation of funds for each village. In the first phase, each village was given Rs. 3 lakh in the first year and Rs. 2 lakh and 1 lakh in succeeding years. In the second phase, it would be Rs. 11 lakh for each village, which could be utilised in eight years. This time round, the funds will be utilised for taking up various development works in the villages, Mr. Selvaraj said. The second phase would be completed in 2013.