Bharatpur (Rajasthan), Dec 1 : As the Assembly elections are approaching in Rajasthan, people of Bharatpur are demanding political support to promote tourism in the city, which is renowned for its World heritage site-Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Every year thousands of tourists visit this sanctuary to watch thousands of aquatic birds from all across the globe, especially from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia.

But, due to water scarcity, the lakes in the sanctuary are unable to attract the birds as well as the tourists.

People related to travel industry feel that all politicians must join their hands to promote tourism in the region.

“My opinion regarding Bharatpur is that all politicians including the local politicians of the district to Madam Scindia, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, must think about tourism in the city. There has been no rain for the last five or six years which has resulted in a decline in tourism. The politicians must focus on this issue,” said Raj Kumar Beniwal, a travel agent from Delhi.

Since this national park provides employment to a number of people of its surroundings, people seek active support from their representatives.

“It must be the issue as the park involves lot of people of the surroundings. Rickshaw pullers and various other workers are related to this sanctuary for their livelihood. As far as the issue of water is concerned, I just want to say that the shortage of water affects all. So, the government must do something for this park so that it can attract more birds and tourists,” said Nilanjan Das, a scientist.

Bharatpur is located 50 kilometre from Agra, the city globally renowned for Taj Mahal.

Bharatpur sanctuary attracts more than 300 species of birds, including the rare Siberian Crane from various regions of the world. (ANI)