Ranchi: State govt has begun groundwork for a major eco-tourism push, with the Jharkhand Eco Tourism Authority (JETA) on Tuesday floating a request for proposal (RFP) to appoint a project management unit (PMU) for planning, investment and implementation of tourism projects in forest areas.The move is aimed at tapping the state’s tourism potential linked to its forests, wildlife habitats, waterfalls and tribal cultural heritage, while ensuring environmental sustainability and community participation.A key part of the proposed framework is mobilising private investment. An official said the PMU would help design public-private partnership (PPP) models, support procurement processes and engage with prospective investors for tourism infrastructure and services.The official said the initiative was part of the state’s shift from isolated tourism projects to an integrated and professionally managed eco-tourism ecosystem.According to the RFP, the PMU will function as JETA’s technical and strategic support arm. It will help identify potential eco-tourism destinations, prepare master plans, develop tourism products and create a pipeline of investment-ready projects.The agency will also assist in conducting carrying-capacity studies, environmental assessments and infrastructure gap analyses to ensure tourism growth does not adversely affect ecologically sensitive areas.Stakeholder consultations with local communities and government departments will form a key part of the exercise.“Besides destination planning, the selected consultant will assist in branding and marketing Jharkhand’s eco-tourism offerings, identifying funding sources and building local capacity through training and awareness programmes,” the RFP document stated.The PMU is proposed for an initial period of three years, extendable by another year based on performance.A multidisciplinary team comprising tourism experts, architects, engineers, procurement specialists and district-level consultants will support implementation, the document added.
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