Progress on ecotourism in Chandaka
Bhubaneswar- Cuttack- Puri, Chandaka, Cuttack, Khordha, Nature spots November 7th. 2007, 11:47amWe earlier wrote about this in http://www.orissalinks.com/orissagrowth/?p=92 and http://www.orissalinks.com/orissagrowth/?p=69. Following is from a news report in New Indian Express.
As part of its major activity on the silver jubilee year, Chandaka Dampara Sancturay authorities have geared up on the eco-tourism front with more community involvement plans.
The sanctuary has seven tourist routes through which the nature lovers can have a glimpse of some of the 600 plant species, conduct floristic studies and watch the animals including elephants and leopards. The tourist routes of 20 and 30 km length are permitted with vehicles and guides so that the visitors can discover the charm of the wild world.
The routes touch places like Godibari, Kumarkhunti, Kheluachua, Mahuriabadi, Pitagadia, Deras, Ambilo, Saurabila, Mantu hilltop, Chandinimundia, Kuasara and Bhimakhal. But plans are on to develop five ‘nature trails’ in the sanctuary involving Deras bamboo hut-Chandinimundia and back, Deras- Gadhari-Jhumka and back, Jumka- Kheluachua-Dantaria foothills and back, Jhumka-Gadhari and Deras along the reservoir and Chulimundia-Bhimakhal-Kuasara and back, says DFO Akshaya Pattanaik. The trekking inside the sanctuary, including eco-walk, cycling and nature education trips for schoolchildren, would be taken up commercially this year. Also the WWF-India will help in getting literature on select species of flora and fauna of the sanctuary which would be supplied to the children free of cost, he added.
Watch towers with two suits each would be arranged at Kumarkhunti and Ambilo for the trekkers who want to stay put in the sanctuary to enjoy nature from close quarters. The watch towers at Kochilaberena, Mantu hilltop and Pitagadia are also being spruced up for the purpose, the DFO said.
All the eco-development activities are being executed with the active support of ‘‘Bhagabatipur- Manee Sahi Eco-Development Committee’’ at Deras. The ecodevelopment committee is also involved in keeping the environment of the sanctuary clean, especially at tourist spots and it would also get a share of the money earned through these eco-development activities so that the members can continue their good work, Pattnaik adds.
Besides, there are three revamped picnic points near Deras forest rest house which can be used for recreation, amusement and relaxation along with the nature education and to ease off stress in the lap of nature.
December 3rd, 2007 at 5:55 am
On 2-Dec-07, we a group of 6 peoples had been to Ambilo. The experience was breathtaking. It’s really priceless experience to be so close to nature. As per my suggestion each one every one should visit Chandaka Sanctuary. Especially parents should encourage their children to visit the place, who are now a days keeping distance from nature.
Thanks a lot to Mr. A. K. Pattanaik, DFO, Chandaka and his entire team for building up such a good arrangement inside Chandaka.
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:16 am
Hello,
I am writing this from England. I was born and brought up in Khurda Road, and my grandparents lived in site of Barunei Hill.This was all in the 1940s.
I have therefore a great interest in Chandaka as it is today. I have heard some disturbing reports of miss management of the sanctuary, but this is balanced with good reports and glowing tourist brochure stuff. Can someone give me an up to the minute honest report of Chandaka. Are the problems being solved regrading urbanisation, industrialisation and human habitat?
Yours,
Dee Taylor(Mr)