In another boost for eco-tourism, the Government has decided to put in place a centralized online system for advance booking of accommodations at eco-tourist spots.
This was decided in a high level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Parsad Padhi. Principal Secretary Forest and Environment Suresh Chandra Mohapatra outlined the issues for discussion.
Reviewing the progress made in the sector, the Chief Secretary directed the Forest and Environment Department to develop suitable facilities in the existing eco-tourist spots before taking up new spots for development. Padhi focused on development of basic amenities and waste disposal system at the spots. It was decided that a centralized online system for booking of accommodation at eco-tourist places will be developed and put in place within two months.
The Chief Secretary also directed to ensure active involvement of local committees in preservation and promotional activities so that people get alternative means of livelihood from the tourism activities. It was decided to develop these identified tourist spots with State Government funding.
Replying to a media query after the meeting, Principal Secretary Mohapatra said that as of now 20 eco-tourism sites have been taken up and 40 new destinations have been identified for development. A target has been set to develop all these spots within a period of five years with investment of around Rs100 crore from State funding. The accommodation facilities for 15 to 20 families will be developed in each major spot.
Available data shows, there has been constant increase in tourist footfall in eco-tourist spots over last three years. In the year 2013-14, the total footfall in eco-tourist spots was 2,76,206 which increased to 3,12,980 in the year 2014-15 and further to 3,47,965 in the year 2014-15. This year there is an increasing trend in the rate of footfall and is expected to cross the last year.
The existing sites already taken up for development include Dangmal, Habalikhati, Gupti, Barunei and Kalibhanjdia of Rajnagar Wild life ( Wl) division; Bramhapura, Rajhans, Balugaon and Mangalajodi of Chilika Wl division; Barehipani, Joranda, Sitakund, lulung etc of Similipal Tiger Reserve; Tikarpada, Binikei and adjacent spots in Satkosia Wl, Barakhandia of Hirakud Wl; Kuldiha and Bichitrapur of Baleswar; Maraguda of Sunabedha Wl; Deras, Godibari ad Jhumuka of Chandaka Wl; Balichandi, Ramchandi, Nuanai etc of Puri Wl; Badmul of Mahanadi Wl; Gadchandi ad Zero point in Hadgarh Wl, Mahavinayak, Olasuni and Dhaltangarh of Cuttack forest division, Manchabandha , Devkundu, Samibrikhya and Machkandana of Baripada division, Jamunai of Rairangpur division within Similipal Tiger Reserve, Saptasajya of Dhenkanal and Gandahati and Khasada waterfall in lakhary Valley sanctuary of Paralakhemundi forest division. Apart from these, new 40 spots have been identified in these forest and wild life divisions for development.