Nagpur: Baban Rao Pachpute, State's Forest Minister stated that the Maharashtra government has framed a challenging plan to build up 210 eco-tourist spots comprising 56 in Vidarbha area, similar to those in South Africa.

“The eco-tourist spots will be developed by forest department across the state and a team of experts would embark upon a study tour to South Africa, Brazil and some European countries,” Mr. Pachpute alleged.

The government would establish a State eco-tourism panel, which is guided by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to shape up the eco-tourism business. The panel would have a provision of Rs 100 crore, he added.

The scheme would create big employment chances in tourism related work.

About the much-publicised Gorewada Safari park in the city, Pachpute said this international venture would have some protected and rare animals from foreign countries.

A gathering has been planned for August 23 in Delhi that would be commanded by Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar to talk about the scheme including appealing hotel industries to build up a chain of budget hotels in the state.