The Jeypore forest division has prepared a master plan for the promotion and development of Mathpoda forest which comes under the Boipariguda forest range in Koraput district. There is a plan to convert it into an ecotourism destination involving the tribal youths as tour operators.
Official sources said it has been decided to convert 50 hectares of Mathpada forest into an eco tourism spot given that the forest is a transit point between Boipariguda and the famous cave shrine of Gupteswar, which too is a major tourist attraction of the State.
Bounded by a forest nursery on one side and a forest rest house on the Other, the proposed eco tourism is covered with natural forest. The forest department plans to construct cottage water bodies with boating facility on a 23 km cycle route from Mathpada to Gupteswar and link forest trekking paths, tree houses and watch towers inside the proposed ecotourism spot for visitors trying to spend some good time with family and friends.
A part from providing the visitors an opportunity to explore, it also will give livelihood to the local tribals of the area, said Uma Mahesh, forest range officer, Boipariguda.
A detail project report has been prepared and sent to the higher authority for approval, he added.
According to the officer, the local villagers belonging to various VSSs will be trained and given placement in the project.