Chhattisgarh on Sunday opened the Indravati Tiger Reserve in Bastar’s Bijapur to tourists, allowing organised wildlife tourism in one of the state’s most remote forests for the first time in four decades.
A presentation made by the forest department puts the number of tigers in Indravati at six in the current state-level figures presented to the minister. The chart records 18 tigers in Achanakmar, seven in Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla, three in Bhoramdev and one in Udanti-Sitanadi.
OP Yadav, principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife), Chhattisgarh, said opening the tiger reserve to tourists was an important step to promote eco-tourism and showcase the rich biodiversity of the region. “At the same time, our focus will remain on ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activities,” Yadav said.
The government is also promoting homestays, traditional handicrafts, local products, Bastar art and indigenous cuisine as part of the wider eco-tourism initiative.
Officials said these activities would create self-employment opportunities for villagers and strengthen the local economy.
In the first phase, a 33-km safari route has been identified in the buffer area. The latest All India Tiger Estimation is currently under way and officials said the final tiger population for Indravati can be confirmed only after the exercise and scientific compilation of data are completed. The figure of six, however, comes with a caveat. “We are starting the safari on a limited scale. Four Gypsy vehicles will operate in the first phase and the number will be increased depending on tourist response and footfall. The initiative is also expected to create employment opportunities for local communities. Six local youths have been trained and engaged as guides and safari vehicle drivers. “Local participation is an important component of the eco-tourism plan.
Yadav said they would adopt a step-by-step approach. A nine-km stretch from Ullur village to Dandaparti has been prepared for visitors, officials said. More routes will also be developed subsequently,” Yadav said. Training local youths as guides and drivers will provide them with livelihood opportunities while also allowing visitors to understand the forest and its biodiversity through local knowledge,” Yadav said.
Earlier assessments were conducted only across accessible areas while improved field access is expected to provide a more comprehensive assessment.
