Shimla, Aug. 18 -- With an aim to generate Rs.200 crore in revenue in the next five years, the state government launched a new eco-tourism policy to develop 77 eco-tourism sites in different forest circles across the state. Under this policy, 77 eco-tourism sites are being developed in different parts of the state, including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Rampur, Solan, Nahan, Hamirpur, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, Palampur, Chamba, Dalhousie, Nurpur, and Rekong Peo. Eco-tourism operators have already been selected for seven popular sites: Potter Hill and Shoghi in Shimla, Solang Nallah in Kullu, and Kasol in Parvati Valley. The remaining sites are being developed in phases. Visitors will be able to enjoy eco-friendly activities like trekking, bird watching, forest camping, jungle walks, homestays and nature interpretation trails. The state is also making significant strides in protecting and enriching its rich biodiversity, aiming to increase forest cover to 30% by 2030. A spokesperson of the government said that an important part of the eco-tourism push is involving local people. htc...