Rudrapur, Feb. 16 -- Champawat, a remote district located near the Indo-Nepal border, is set to gain a new tourism identity with the development of six "Corbett Trails" aimed at promoting eco-tourism and generating self-employment opportunities for local residents, forest department officials said The state government has sanctioned Rs.4.5 crore as the first instalment for infrastructure creation and trail development in the district. Officials said the initiative seeks to tap the region's historical association with legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, who tracked and eliminated several man-eating tigers and leopards in the area during the early 20th century. "Famous hunter Jim Corbett eliminated tigers and leopards in Champawat and provided relief to people living in terror-prone areas. Despite massive tourism potential, the entire region has remained neglected from a tourism point of view. Now the government is developing infrastructure and routes where Corbett roamed in search of man-eaters to attract tourists," said PK Patro, chief conservator of forests (eco-tourism). Jim Corbett hunted several big cats in the region between 1907 and 1937. On May 12, 1907, he shot the infamous Champawat tigress, which is believed to have killed 426 people across India and Nepal, making it one of the deadliest man-eaters on record. Officials said under the proposed plan, the forest department will not only develop trekking trails but also renovate British-era forest dak bungalows that are currently in a dilapidated condition due to years of neglect. Entry gates reflecting local architectural styles, campsites and small eateries for tourists will also be established along the routes. According to forest officials, the proposed trails include the Chuka trail covering Boom-Kaldhung-Chuka, Champawat-Bhardoli-Fungar-Gaudi, Manch-Tallakot, Panar Valley-Chalnichina-Devidhura-Rameshwar, Durga Peepal-Danda village-Danda range Aonla, and Devidhura-Pati-Dhunaghat. The forest department has prepared a comprehensive development plan estimated at around Rs.25 crore. PK Patro, chief conservator of forests (eco-tourism), said Rs.4.5 crore has been released to the divisional forest officer (DFO), Champawat, as the first instalment, and additional funds will be sanctioned once work progresses. Forest officials added that the project is expected to create livelihood opportunities for local youth through guiding services, homestays and allied tourism activities....