Ecotourism is fast emerging as a major tourist attraction in Madhya Pradesh with state government planning to develop at least one spot in every district to promote and popularise this relatively new concept.

"Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board has so far identified 35 places in the state for developing them as ecotourism spots. Also, work at four-five places has already started," Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Forests, M K Rai told PTI today.

"We have also moved a proposal worth Rs 35 crore to the state government for getting funds from the Centre in this regard," he said.

The Ecotourism Board has already developed places like Kerva near Bhopal, Choral near Indore, Dhoopgarh near Pachmarhi, Chambal Safari, Gangulpara near Balaghat and Delabadi Jungle Camp in Sehore districts as ecotourism spots.

"Work is on to develop Ralamandal at Indore, Madan Mahal at Jabalpur and Samardha near Bhopal as ecotourism spots," Rai said.

"The idea is to develop at least one spot in every district of the state as ecotourism centre to bring people more closure to nature," he said.

Madhya Pradesh has tremendous scope for development of ecotourism as it is endowed with a rich gamut of relatively undisturbed landscapes, forests, wildlife and cultural diversity, a board official said.

Since more than 80 per cent of tourism in Madhya Pradesh is centred around nature and wildlife, ecotourism has gained ground in the state, he said.

The state has the largest forest cover (94,669 sq km) in the country of which more than 10,000 sq km is under protected areas, national parks and sanctuaries. Besides, it is also home to several rare, endangered and threatened species, the official said.

Ecotourism will also play a potential role in creating awareness amongst all the stakeholders ? local communities, tourists, government and the private sector.

People are rapidly moving towards ecotourism as it offers wide array of natural wealth and eco-friendly activities like nature trails, safaris, adventure sports, camping and bird watching among others to the tourists, he said.

The board has also proposed to develop four ecoparks in the state capital including Ekant Park, Chunabhatti Park Singar Choli Park and Patrakar Nagar Park.