The Haryana government has stepped up efforts to encourage eco-tourism in the state, which is expected to provide an "incentive" for conserving nature.

"It provides an economic incentive to conserve community culture, natural environment and cultural heritage," forest and environment minister Ajay Singh Yadav said.

Eco-tourism is a potential resource for creating awareness for the protection of forests and wildlife, said an official release.

"It will increase the influx of foreign tourists in the state, besides conserving local culture and environment. It will also provide a platform for international interaction through the visiting tourists from other states of India," it said.

Yadav has laid the foundation stone of Rajiv Gandhi Herbal Park and Eco-Tourism project at Masani Barrage, near Dharuhera, in Rewari district today.

The project, which will be developed by the Haryana forest department, is envisioned to be equipped with world class facilities along national highway eight and will be used by visiting tourists and locals.

A herbal conservation park and ayurveda center children park will also be set up. Log huts, nature trails, yoga and dining facilities, tree houses and water bodies will be part of the project.

The center will cater to the needs of corporate houses, educational institutes and manpower training in the field of environment management and conservation, the release said.

Apart from this, nature camps at Thapali, Lal Munia Rest House and Morni Fort in Panchkula district and Kalesar, Bansantor and Chuharpur Herbal Park in Yamuna Nagar district have also been developed by the Haryana forest department.