Haryana’s Bhondsi Ashram to be developed into Ecotourism hub

[Bapun]

The Haryana government has roped in the Haryana Forest Development Corporation (HFDC) for developing former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar’s farmhouse, Bharat Yatra Kendra, popularly known as Bhondsi Ashram, as an Ecotourism and Nature Awareness Centre. According to a Hindustan Times report, the HFDC is to spend Rs five crore on the project. Besides HFDC, the Bhondsi Panchayat will also pool in money to develop the facility. Though the land belongs to the panchayat, the centre will be run by the HFDC. A one of its kind centre in NCR, it can host 70 tourists at a time.

The Kendra, spread across 558 acres along the foothills of the Aravali range at Bhondsi village, had been in a dilapidated state for want of upkeep for many years. The State government had acquired the property after a SC order. Home to wild animals, including leopards and rare birds, the area has rich biodiversity. The HFDC will employ local youth as gardeners, waiters, guards and guides for forest tours at the centre who will be trained by the wildlife department for the purpose. “We will build the centre without upsetting the biodiversity and provide a learning centre for students where they can learn about nature. We will also develop more employment options for the villagers,” said Subhash Yadav, Regional Manager, HFDC.


http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/haryanas-bhondsi-ashram-to-be-developed-into-ecotourism-hub-13645