In a meeting with representatives of the Forest department on Friday, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra endorsed a proposal to this effect.
The State government has made the decision to build eco-tour and nature camp facilities in 13 more locations, including one at the contentious Kotia panchayat in Koraput, in an effort to reveal even more of its “best-kept secrets” and showcase its natural treasures to the world.
In a meeting with representatives of the Forest department on Friday, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra endorsed a proposal to this effect. The Chief Secretary approved the creation of eco-tourism with accommodations for overnight stays in 10 new locations and nature camps in three additional locations for tourists.
Deomali Hilltop and Kotia Panchayat in Koraput, where the State Government has been implementing numerous development measures in recent years to curb the “intervention” and “intrusion” of Andhra Pradesh administration, are two of the new eco-tourism facilities permitted.
Additionally, eco-tour infrastructure will be built in the following locations: Jakam, Kalahandi; Nawana, Similipal North; Silviculture Garden; Astaranga Muhana; Puri; Khadakhai Dam; Mahendragiri; Kanjipani Ghat; and Hadagarh Dam, Keonjhar Forest Division. These eco-tourism destinations will all include accommodations for overnight stays.
At Rani Duduma in Koraput, Dhaltangarh in Cuttack, and Bhandarpahar next to Jhadeswari Temple in Nayagarh forest division, new nature camps will be launched. According to PCCF (Wildlife) Sashi Paul, there are now 50 eco-tour destinations and nature camps operating in the State, and the construction of 13 new facilities will bring the total up to 63.
Paul claimed that during the past five years, attendance at eco-tour facilities and nature camps had surged by over 142% in the State. From 11,500 in 2017–18 to 29,024 in 2018–19, and then to 57,000 in 2020–21, it increased. In 2021–2022, the number increased even more, reaching 70,216.
From Rs 3.40 crore in 2017–18 to Rs 10.52 crore in 2021–22, ecotourism brought in more money. The State government launched online booking capabilities for these eco-destinations and invested approximately Rs 95 crore in their development.
The Chief Secretary gave the Forest department instructions to closely and continuously inspect the facilities to guarantee adequate upkeep. In order to provide local populations with prospects for employment, he also gave the department instructions to involve them in the management of these areas.
Prasanta Patnaik 
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