Opportunities galore in sector to boost job, revenue
The World Tourism Day was observed on September 27. Now, tourism is given the status of an industry world over. There are countries whose main source of income is tourism. So, management of tourism is an important issue. The connectivity by air, water and land must be well managed to the best satisfaction of the tourists.
Accommodation facility and well-informed and qualified guides also are also key to attract tourists. Besides, the behaviour and dealing of all concerned should be pleasing. The sculptures and the anthropological value based art should be well maintained and displayed.
If the tourism sector of Odisha is well managed, it can attract more and more people with a rise in revenue generation and employment. The wildlife wing of the State Forest Department is a part and parcel of the tourism sector. It is assigned with the duties of conservation and management of nature and natural resources of the State. Hence, in the Make In Odisha programme, the tourism sector should be given much of importance.
Forest dwellers are mainly found in the valleys bounded by hillocks. Badarama, Baisipali, Chandaka Damapara, Debrigarh, Hadagrah, Karlapat, Khalasuni, Kotagarh, Kuldhia, Lakhari, Nandankanan, Satkoshia, Similipal and Sundabeda are areas famous for the forest dweller communities. There are also attractive places inside the hill ranges of Eastern Ghat.
The Khandadhar, Machhakunda and Baitarani gorge of Ghatagaon, etc., should be developed. The connectivity problem to these areas too should be sorted out. Development of modern amenities in these areas can make them more alluring.
Besides the Eastern Ghats and hill-bound tourist spots, we have very rich biodiversity spots in the coastal plains and on the boundaries of the Bay of Bengal. We have very long stretch of sea-coast of about 500 km.
The entire stretch of coastal boundary can be improved as tourist view points. The rich biodiversity hubs like Balukhand-Konark, Bhitarkanika, Gahirmatha and Chilika (Nalabana) should be made attractive for the tourists.
The river mouths of Budhabalang, Subarnarekha, Brahmani- Baitarani, Mahanadi and Rushikalya are the prominent hubs of our coastal ecology.
The flora and fauna compositions provide ample opportunity for research. Besides, the most important estuarine ecological field is seen in the Chilika lagoon and Bitarankanika sanctuary. The biodiversity of Chilika is unique. It is a hot spot with rich composition of flora and fauna.
Presently, the Chilika is under threat from both natural and anthropogenic pressure. The problem is siltation, changes in salinity concentration, increase in fresh water weeds, increase in aquaculture activities, decrease in fish production, change in spices composition and excessive extraction of bio-resources and ultimate loss of bio-diversity. The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) was created in 1992 with an aim to address the problems. But the problems are not addressed; rather, they are increasing.
A serious problem is artificial cultivation of prawns, which spoils the natural quality of water, soil and entire environment.
There should be capital investment for protection, conservation and scientific management of Chilika spread over 1 lakh hectares of area.
Recently, a new mouth of Chilika lagoon is created at Arakhakud due to heavy rain in the catchment areas of rivers joining the lagoon. It is a boon to scientific management of the lagoon.
The concentration of salt in the lagoon water will be balanced. The mouths of the lagoon always work for inlet and outlet of water in relation to sea. It is a continuous process of nature for providing better habitat to the flora and fauna of the wetland.
Similarly, we have vast archaeological fields in our State, but they are not properly and scientifically managed. Let us take the example of Sun Temple of Konark and Siva Temple of Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar. How long can they survive without proper care? Lots of pilgrims are coming every year to these places, besides the Jagannath Temple, Puri.
These places should be provided with tourists friendly amenities.
Further, we have 62 types of tribal art and culture. These arts can be better projected before our tourists for better appreciations. Our attempt appears to be zero in this respect.
The tribal boys can be better used for development of eco-tourisms. The youngsters of tribal lands should be well trained to develop the local tourism. We will get double benefits by that.
The idle human resources can be better utilised and revenue generation can be increased.
(The writer lives at Sailashree Vihar, Bhubaneswar. Mob: 9937460649, nadiya.kanungo@gmail.com )