In a significant move to lure foreign tourists to the nature, the State Government has decided to relax norms for them. Foreigners were earlier restricted to visit the wonderful natural surroundings of the tribal zones.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved the proposal of the Department of Home, which after reviewing the prevailing situation favoured to lift the restrictions.
Restriction had been imposed on the entry of foreign visitors to the tribal areas on February 25, 2012 following an outcry against the State “parading” its tribal people for “money”. Foreign tourists were not allowed to visit these habitations without prior permissions of the District Magistrates.
Now, foreign tourists can visit these zones, where Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are staying.
Ethnic or tribal zones in the State have been a major attraction for foreign tourists. These zones are home to 62 tribal communities, including 13 designated as the PVTGs, some of which belong to the old Stone Age and live in isolation on hilltops.
Principal Home Secretary Asit Tripathy headed a committee that studied the restrictions on foreign tourists. The committee favoured the idea to lift the restrictions.
With the new decision, the foreign tourists would have to respect the culture and traditions of tribal communities during their visit. Ahead of visiting an area, they would inform it to the SP of the district. The District Tourism Officer would also be informed about it.
Taking assistance of a tourist guide is mandatory for the foreign visitor. licensed tourist guides would be appointed by the SC and ST Development Department. The Department of Tourism would provide them necessary training.
The tourists or the researchers can take photos of tribals with their consent.
The restrictions had been made stricter after Maoists abducted two Italian nationals from Kandhamal district on March 17 in 2012. Hoteliers and tour operators had been urging the Government to lift the restrictions in the wake of fall in foreign tourist footfall.