Govt softens norms to promote eco-tourism
The Madhya Pradesh Government has relaxed norms for bar licenses at the places, short listed for the development of eco-tourism. Under new eco-tourism, the State Government had chosen 21 such places,
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Kerala will be first State to frame tourism Bill
Kerala will be the first State in the country to frame the Tourism (Conservation, Preservation and Trade) Bill to regulate tourism related activities, the Chief Minister, Mr S.K. Anthony, has said.
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India's first environmental info-system commissioned
India's first environmental information system (ENVIS) on eco-tourism was commissioned on the occasion of World Tourism Day here Thursday. ENVIS, commissioned by the State Council of Science and
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Kochi's 'green lung' to get a facelift
The Kerala State Government will develop and preserve the Mangalavanam, Kochi's green lung, as a prestigious eco-tourism project by conserving the birds, trees and wetlands of the area, Tourism
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Kerala backwater tourism scene under study
In a bid to preserve the State's ecosystems and to sustain its tourism potential, Kerala's Tourism Department has commissioned a study on the development of its ecologically fragile backwaters. The
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Jagmohan promises eco boost
Union tourism and culture minister Mr Jagmohan's visit to the Uttaranchal has ended with more promises. The minister has said the state would be developed as a centre for tourism, archeology and
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Jharkhand Naxals scaring away tourists
The steadily growing grip of Naxalities in the newly formed State of Jharkhand is being felt by the tourism sector, which has vast potential to attract tourists. The tourism sector of the State has
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Novel plan to promote eco-tourism in Changthang
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has proposed a novel plan to promote tourism in Changthang in the name of Eco-tourism, which has the Government of India's advocacy
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Kerala introduces eco-certification for tourism sector
The Kerala Tourism Department has introduced an eco-certification scheme as part of its efforts to promote eco-friendly tourism in a big way in the State. The scheme, styled "Eco-Kerala", attempts to
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Eco-tourism in Majuli to bloom
In a bid to develop the infrastructure for eco-tourism in Majuli, the Assam Tourism Department has arranged for the visit of one of the famous architects of Delhi, Mr Pradeep Srivastav who is also
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Development doom
In yet another quest for development, which may spell doom for 25 villages, the Madhya Pradesh government has mooted a high-flying plan for Tawanagar - casino, water sports - you name it. There
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Snippets
<font face=arial size=3 color=#CE181E><b>•</b></font> A report found that 12 months after a ban on smoking in bars in New Zealand, there were no downturn in bar sales, tourism or employment, contrary to predictions of serious economic consequences to the hospital industry following the ban.<br>
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Damn it!
The Mekong river flowing through six South-East Asian countries is to be arrested by the planned construction of nearly 76 dams. The Mekong Watch Network (MWN) a coalition of NGOs,
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High hopes
West African countries sign elephant conservation pact
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MOBILE BAN
The Delhi high court has directed the Union government to ensure strict compliance of a ban on use of cellular mobile phones in aircraft. "The authorities must ensure that there is no use of mobile
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Death Tourism
A controversial Swiss clinic, which has helped nearly 40 British people commit suicide, is to open an office in the uk because of growing demand, The Independent revealed. Zurich-based Dignitas
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Campaign against cruelty
the World's largest animal rights organisation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (peta), has warned that it would launch "a poten tially devastating campaign against Indian
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Kochi set to have India's first marina
LIFESTYLE: It will house around 50 yachts and will be the world's only marina with a golf course. Ever wondered where Vijay Mallya, the proud owner of three luxury yachts, docks his boats? Not in India, for sure, as India does not yet have a marina for private yachts. But he may soon reconsider. The foundation stone for the country's first full-fledged marina, to house around 50 yachts, was laid at Bolgatty Island in Kochi on March 1 by Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan. It will also be the world's only marina with a golf course. Next in line seems to be the Mumbai-Goa coastline, which is 7,500 km long. Indian millionaires are fast buying luxury yachts. Sujay Chouhan, co-organiser of the recent Mumbai Boat Show says, "The market for boats and luxury yachts is just about taking off in India, and besides Kochi, we also expect Mumbai-Goa coastlines to get a marina each from the government soon.' The marina in Kochi would be spread over five acres and is expected to give a huge boost to tourism in the state because it will be a stopover for all yachts that sail from West Asia to the Far East and vice versa. The eco-friendly marina, between Kochi Marine Drive and Bolgatty Island, will accommodate close to 50 luxury yachts, and provide docking, storage, maintenance and other facilities for boats. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) plans to develop the marina in two stages, with the first phase to be completed in less than 18 months at a cost Rs 8 crore, of which the central government has sanctioned Rs 4 crore. KTDC has appointed Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO) as the consultant for the project. Gulu Lalvani, founder and chairman of Binatone Telecom Group, believes that the Indian coastline could soon have a world-class luxury marina, complete with villas overlooking the bay, luxury condos that would have their own yacht moorings, that too right in Mumbai. Lalvani, who is the developer of Royal Phuket Marina in Thailand, has ambitious plans for India. "At around $250 million investment, I can re-create Royal Phuket Marina's Aquaminium concept, which are condominiums featuring private boat-berths within the residence itself. The property comprises three buildings and offers investors varying unit types including triplex and duplex penthouses, and two and three bedroom condominiums, and offers one of the world's most unique investment opportunities.' He is obviously looking to woo the likes of Vijay Mallya and Gautam Singhania. "Yachting can bring high spending individuals to Indian coasts and port areas,' he enthuses. According to Lalvani, it could take up to three years to develop a new marina, as regulatory approvals from environmentalists, developers and government bodies have to be obtained before developing a marina. "We expect eight projects to develop marinas along the Indian coasts, which will serve as a very integral part of the infrastructure for cities along a coast. A marina can allow more ferry services for increasing water transport. Indians can be exposed to a new lifestyle,' Chouhan notes. With almost 200 boats and about 50 yachts owned by people in Mumbai and Goa, a marina seems to be a timely construction.
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Leap of joy
Dolphin sanctuary at Satpada
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Three avenues, one goal
The focus is on development of hydropower, industries and food production: how sustainably can the targets be achieved?