Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today approved 10 new spots for developing eco-tourism with night stay facilities and 3 new spots for development as day camping for the day tourists.
Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra approved the proposals at a high-level review meeting considering the tourist attraction potential of these places. The new proposals were put forth by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sashi Paul at the meeting.
The new eco-tourism spots approved in the meeting included Deomali hilltop in Koraput, Jakam of Kalahandi, Nawana of Similipal north, Silviculture garden of Phulbani, Muhana Muhana at Astaranga in Puri, Kotia in Koraput, Khadakhai dam in Rairangpur, Mahendragiri from Ganjam side in Berhampur, Kanjipani Ghat and Hadagarh dam in Keonjhar forest divisions.
Similarly, new day camp spots for the day tourists would be developed at Rani Duduma of Koraput, Dhaltangarh of Cuttack, and Bhandarpahar near Jhadeswari Temple of Nayagarh forest divisions.
While approving the proposals, Chief Secretary gave strict directions for proper maintenance of the facilities already created and being created newly through close monitoring.
Concerned Divisional Forest Officers and supervising officers were asked to go inside each cottage and verify the proper functioning of all facilities including the dining places, toilets etc.
He also directed the department to involve local communities in hospitality and upkeep of the spots so that they earn their livelihood and preserve the natural environs of the spots.
As envisioned by the State government, eco-tourism has made successful strides with the opening of new livelihood opportunities in the respective local communities.
PCCF (Wildlife) Paul appraised that as of now 50 total eco-retreat destinations and nature camps are operating in the State.
With these 13 new approvals, the total number of spots would increase to 63. These spots are growing popular with increasing footfalls and revenue generation. Online booking facility has also been rolled out. So far, around Rs 95 crore has been invested in the development of eco-destinations.
The review showed a constant increase in the number of footfalls at the eco-destinations. It increased almost by 142 per cent in the last 5 years.
It increased from 11,500 in the year 2017-18 to 29,024 in the year 2018-19, and then to 57,000 in the year 2020-21.
The year 2021-22 witnessed a surge in footfall to 70,216. Concomitantly, the revenue generated from eco-tourism increased from Rs 3.40 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 8.32 crore in 2020-21 and then to Rs 10.52 crore in 2021-22.
Mahapatra said, “Conservation of forest and nature is turning a sustainable treasure for the community, and promote that by all possible means”. He also advised strengthening intervention through the formation of the Eco-Tourism Society.
Additional Chief Secretary Forest, Environment and Climate Change Satyabrata Sahu, PCCF (Wildlife) Shashi Paul along with senior officers of concerned departments participated in the deliberations.
