Three Nature Camps Shine As Best Performers In Odisha

Three Nature Camps Shine As Best Performers In Odisha

Brushing away the negative impact that the COVID 19 pandemic brought with itself, the nature and eco-tourism camps in Odisha this year have registered a roaring success recording more revenue than the previous year. The nature camps at Dangmal in Bhitarkanika National Park, Mandasaru in Kandhamal and Daringbadi have been adjudged the best performers in forest protection through eco-tourism.

The Chief Minister’s Award was felicitated to the Eco-Development Committees and Van Suraksha Samitis (VSS) of these three camps on the occasion of World Forest Day on 21st March, 2021. The first prize carried a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh, the second Rs 75,000 and the third 50,000.

Despite being shut down for nearly seven months from March 2020 due to COVID 19 pandemic reopening in November, 2020, the tourist footfall at these destinations has generated a revenue of Rs 8 crore till mid-March against the collection Rs 6.85 crore in 2019-2020.

According to an official of the Forest Department, visitors from 22 different states had stayed in different eco-tour properties across the state. Proper implementation of COVID 19 safety guidelines, training and capacity building of local communities on COVID protocols and hospitality services has played a major role in this success, he added.

Dangmal hosted over 3300 tourists between October 2020, when the park was reopened after almost a gap of six months and February, generating revenue of Rs 73 lakh. The tariff per night per room is about Rs 5,000. It is also famous for boating in mangrove creeks and birding.

The Mandasaru ecotourism site is managed by 19 women SHG members. Owing to its frequent weather changes, mesmerising beauty and rich biodiversity, it is known as the Silent Valley of Odisha. The accommodation at Mandasaru Valley Nature Camp is located at the hilltop with a panoramic view of the Mandasaru Gorge. There are two watchtowers, a children’s park, a plantation, a dining hall, four cottages, a watchtower room and even a grotto within the resort area.

The Daringbadi ecotourism site has been the third best performer. Known as the Kashmir of Odisha, it boasts of a never-ending greenery mountain path and it is a sought-after destination for most tourists. Satkosia Sand Resort at Badmul and Kumari Nature Camp in Similipal and Debrigarh were also presented the award for 2019-20.

At present, 43 eco-tourism destinations are operational in 16 districts. Five new destinations are soon to be opened in Nuapada and Koraput. More than 600 community members are deriving livelihood support by managing these destinations. Bookings are mostly done online.