The government should look at promoting eco-tourism projects instead of ones that require heavy investment, noted environmentalist T Shivaji Rao said.
Speaking at a panel discussion on ‘Eco-Tourism – Floriculture’ organised by GITAM University Environmental Science Department on the occasion of World Earth Day he suggested that the government take the initiative to protect the city environment with eco-tourism projects and said ‘Science without a human face is a crime’.
Noting that commercial floriculture has higher potential per unit area than most field crops, associate professor in GITAM School of International Business (GSIB) D. Ravinadh said floriculture was a sunrise industry and was accorded 100 per cent export oriented status. Floriculture also attracts the international tourists and enhances the green belt, he added.
Araku area in the district has potential to develop Anthuria and cut roses and this could help generate employment and income for the tribal people, he said. Further, the hill areas in the city could also be used for floriculture, he said.
Principal GITAM Institute of Science N.Lakshmandas, Environmental Science Department Head N.Srinivas, Prof. Ramana and others participated.
