Indore Forest officials with Gram Samiti representatives met up for a discussion on Eco Park in Umrikheda. Forest dept attempts to engage gram samiti for Eco Park
Forest officials with Gram Samiti representatives met up for a discussion on Eco Park in Umrikheda
Forest dept attempts to engage gram samiti for Eco Park
Our staff reporter
Indore
To foster community engagement and promote sustainable development, the Forest Department under the Indore Forest Range convened a Gram Van Samiti meeting at the emerging Eco Park in Umrikheda. The meeting focused on raising awareness among local labourers and emphasised the importance of conserving medicinal plants.
Forest Range Officer Sangeeta Thakur stated that labourers were informed about their legal rights, entitlements, and the protections available under forest-related employment regulations. She said that the session included information on the ecological and economic importance of medicinal plants, along with guidance on their sustainable use and conservation. She also encouraged residents to participate in forest conservation, noting that community involvement is essential for effective and sustainable forest management.
The meeting formed part of a wider departmental strategy to empower rural communities through education and ecological stewardship. Officials highlighted the potential of these efforts to improve livelihoods while safeguarding the region’s natural resources.
Situated approximately 13 kilometres from Indore on Khandwa Road, Eco Park Umrikheda is swiftly emerging as a flagship destination for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation. Spread across 290 hectares, the park currently offers a Butterfly Garden, nature trails for trekking and cycling, and an Interpretation Centre for visitors.
Plans are underway for a comprehensive development of the site, with a proposed investment of ₹7 crore. Proposed additions include:
15 fully furnished cottages
15 Swiss-style tents and 20 camping tents
An Adventure Park and a Children’s Park
Watch towers and a Herb Garden
An Open-Air Theatre
Solar energy installations
A café and restaurant
Landscaping and beautification works are also planned to enhance the overall visitor experience. The initiative is expected to attract eco-conscious tourists not only from Indore, but also from neighbouring districts such as Ujjain, Dewas, Khandwa, Dhar and Bhopal.
Forest dept attempts to engage gram samiti for Eco Park
Our staff reporter
Indore
To foster community engagement and promote sustainable development, the Forest Department under the Indore Forest Range convened a Gram Van Samiti meeting at the emerging Eco Park in Umrikheda. The meeting focused on raising awareness among local labourers and emphasised the importance of conserving medicinal plants.
Forest Range Officer Sangeeta Thakur stated that labourers were informed about their legal rights, entitlements, and the protections available under forest-related employment regulations. She said that the session included information on the ecological and economic importance of medicinal plants, along with guidance on their sustainable use and conservation. She also encouraged residents to participate in forest conservation, noting that community involvement is essential for effective and sustainable forest management.
The meeting formed part of a wider departmental strategy to empower rural communities through education and ecological stewardship. Officials highlighted the potential of these efforts to improve livelihoods while safeguarding the region’s natural resources.
Situated approximately 13 kilometres from Indore on Khandwa Road, Eco Park Umrikheda is swiftly emerging as a flagship destination for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation. Spread across 290 hectares, the park currently offers a Butterfly Garden, nature trails for trekking and cycling, and an Interpretation Centre for visitors.
Plans are underway for a comprehensive development of the site, with a proposed investment of ₹7 crore. Proposed additions include:
15 fully furnished cottages
15 Swiss-style tents and 20 camping tents
An Adventure Park and a Children’s Park
Watch towers and a Herb Garden
An Open-Air Theatre
Solar energy installations
A café and restaurant
Landscaping and beautification works are also planned to enhance the overall visitor experience. The initiative is expected to attract eco-conscious tourists not only from Indore, but also from neighbouring districts such as Ujjain, Dewas, Khandwa, Dhar and Bhopal.