From correspondents in Himachal Pradesh, India, 12:30 PM IST

Himachal Pradesh will get tough on dumping of garbage in its forests and impose fines on those doing it, a senior minister has said.

'We have told forest officials to get tough and impose fines under the Forest Conservation Act and the Himachal Pradesh Non-biodegradable Garbage Control Act,' state Forest Minister J.P. Nadda told IANS.

The forest department will deal with a garbage dumping problem in the Marhi area near Rohtang Pass in Kullu district. The area is frequented by a large number of tourists throughout the year.

He also disclosed that the state government has got Rs.29.5 million to develop eco-tourism.

'The government of India has sanctioned Rs.2.95 crore (Rs.29.5 million) for developing eco-tourism circuits in Kullu, Kinnaur, Shimla and Bilaspur districts,' Nadda said.

'Since the state has a huge potential for eco-tourism, we have decided to strengthen the existing sites. Our department will collaborate with the tourism department for promoting eco-tourism activities.'

The forest department would develop seven eco-tourism sites. It was already in the process of developing a site at Narkanda in Shimla district, which would be operational this month, he said.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)