Prasanna Kumar Patro maps out green tourism roadmap to 2047 Uttarakhand Forward 2.0 is the second edition of The Times of India’s flagship video series spotlighting the state’s journey of growth, innovation and transformative governance. Through exclusive conversations with policymakers, administrators, industry leaders, educationists and experts, the series explores the ideas, initiatives and vision shaping Uttarakhand’s future across infrastructure, clean energy, education, tourism, sustainability and more. The campaign highlights the policies driving progress, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the roadmap for the state’s next phase of development.Can tourism and conservation go hand in hand?As Uttarakhand balances growing tourism with the need to protect its rich forests and wildlife, the conversation around sustainable development has never been more important.In this episode of Uttarakhand Forward 2.0, Richa Jain Kalra speaks with Prasanna Kumar Patro, MD, Ecotourism Development Corporation, CCF Ecotourism & CCF (HRD), Department of Forest, Government of Uttarakhand, about the state’s vision for preserving its natural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods. The discussion explores ecotourism, forest conservation, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, forest fires, biodiversity, community participation through Van Panchayats, and the role of local communities in protecting Uttarakhand’s ecosystems.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFrom mass tourism to value tourismMr. Patro outlined an ecotourism vision centred on smaller destinations, local participation and low-impact travel. “Experiential tourism is very important,” he said, stressing the need to move from mass tourism towards value tourism.What does the road ahead look like?The conversation also explored livelihoods, Van Panchayats and the need to spread tourism to remote areas while reducing pressure on popular destinations. Looking ahead, Patro said Uttarakhand should develop smaller destinations that are “less capital intensive, less carbon footprint”, while building on the state’s natural strengths to emerge as a leading ecotourism destination.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosModi Govt Going Slow On FCRA Bill To Woo Stalin’s DMK, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP For Delimitation?Jharkhand Showdown: Protesters Set To Gherao State Assembly; Demand JSSC-CGL Cancellation, CBI ProbeAgni-4 Missile Fills Crucial Range Gap, Bolsters India’s Strategic Deterrence Against ChinaJNU Cancels Venue For Umar Khalid Book Event: JNUSU Alleges Censorship, ABVP Claims CreditJharkhand Govt To Cancel JPSC Exams, But Rejects CGL Demand; Students Insist On CBI ProbeWATCH: Mamata Banerjee’s Car Hit By ‘Large Stones, Shoes’; Bengal BJP Chief Condemns Attack‘Shivling Beneath Darul Uloom Deoband’: Hindu Outfit Plans Ganga Water Offering At Islamic SeminaryBaramati Airfield Runway Excursion: Training Aircraft Veers Off Runway, No Injuries ReportedIN-SPACe Moves To Privatise Operations Of Rs 986-Crore Kulasekarapattinam SpaceportAir India Phuket-Delhi Flight Captain Reportedly Fails Dope Test After Turbulence Incident123Photostories5 health benefits of flaxseeds: Why these tiny seeds deserve a place in your daily diet7 beautiful and functional home decor tips inspired by birdsHbA1c 5.6 vs 5.7: Why one decimal point can change how doctors classify your blood sugar from normal to prediabetes10 traditional Sawan dishes enjoyed across different states of India5 simple changes that can completely transform your bedroom without a full makeoverBeyond roti: 12 desi dishes made with wheat flour (atta)Sawan 2026 Monday: 5 evening rituals believed to bring peace, positivity and spiritual energy10 timeless baby girl names inspired by legendary queensBigg Boss Tamil: A look at all the season logos through the yearsLow iron or low B12? How doctors distinguish two deficiencies that can look surprisingly similar123Hot PicksKarnataka cauvery disputeNEET PG city intimation slipUttarakhand rainJharkhand protestDevendra Nath MahtoAP EAMCET seat allotmentBrown University ScholarshipAtiq Ahmed sonAssam floodsTop TrendingAhmedabad Rape CaseSurat PG Medical Student SuicideEthanol BlendingTN Cauvery Water DisputeAtiq Ahmed SonHyderabad Hit and Run CaseAssam Floods DeathsAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani
Uttarakhand Forward 2.0 is the second edition of The Times of India’s flagship video series spotlighting the state’s journey of growth, innovation and transformative governance. Through exclusive conversations with policymakers, administrators, industry leaders, educationists and experts, the series explores the ideas, initiatives and vision shaping Uttarakhand’s future across infrastructure, clean energy, education, tourism, sustainability and more. The campaign highlights the policies driving progress, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the roadmap for the state’s next phase of development.
Can tourism and conservation go hand in hand?
As Uttarakhand balances growing tourism with the need to protect its rich forests and wildlife, the conversation around sustainable development has never been more important.In this episode of Uttarakhand Forward 2.0, Richa Jain Kalra speaks with Prasanna Kumar Patro, MD, Ecotourism Development Corporation, CCF Ecotourism & CCF (HRD), Department of Forest, Government of Uttarakhand, about the state’s vision for preserving its natural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods. The discussion explores ecotourism, forest conservation, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, forest fires, biodiversity, community participation through Van Panchayats, and the role of local communities in protecting Uttarakhand’s ecosystems.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
From mass tourism to value tourism
Mr. Patro outlined an ecotourism vision centred on smaller destinations, local participation and low-impact travel. “Experiential tourism is very important,” he said, stressing the need to move from mass tourism towards value tourism.
What does the road ahead look like?
The conversation also explored livelihoods, Van Panchayats and the need to spread tourism to remote areas while reducing pressure on popular destinations. Looking ahead, Patro said Uttarakhand should develop smaller destinations that are “less capital intensive, less carbon footprint”, while building on the state’s natural strengths to emerge as a leading ecotourism destination.
