Three new eco-tourist spots on anvil in Odisha

The Odisha government has decided to set up three new eco-tourist spots in the state and employ a community-based management (CBM) approach to operate them, as it has been successful in generating income for tribal families, an official release said on Thursday. Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, during a virtual meeting, asked the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation to acquire non-forest plots near popular ecotourism centres, and develop them into tourism and hospitality units. "The CBM has provided alternative and sustainable livelihood to many people who, otherwise, were dependent on forest. It has also empowered people and infused a sense of belongingness towards the forest and wildlife among them," he said at the meeting. Proposals were approved for developing the new eco-spots with night-stay facilities near Deomali- the highest mountain peak of Odisha- in Koraput district, Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary in Kandhamal, and Nawana valley in Mayurbhanj. Mohapatra directed the forest department to release funds immediately for developing the spots and maintaining their "pristine character with adequate sanitation measures", according to the official release. A proposal to form a high-level society for enhancing professionalism in the sector was also discussed in the meeting, it stated. Additional Chief Forest Secretary Mona Sharma said eco-retreat activities usually invoked private investment in the sector.