Chhatisgarh

Tattooing an impressionable mark on the tourism industry, the toddler state of Chhattisgrah, once part of Madhya Pradesh, has arrived much sooner than expected. This newborn state is as old as yesterday and as new as tomorrow. Within just three years of its statehood, Chhattisgarh is emerging as a complete destination with the right mix of infrastructure and opportunities. In lieu of its success, the government of Chhattisgarh is firmly committed to capitalise on its ‘new state advantage’. To that effect, the state has taken a conscious decision to thrust on eco- and ethno- tourism that are the major USPs of its tourism.

Geographically situated in the heart of India, the state is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. It is adorned with mesmerising waterfalls, enchanting monuments, breathtaking landscape and an assortment of wildlife comprising rare animal species and much more. However, the true USP of the state is yet undiscovered and unexplored. The untapped potential of the state is so vast that it can easily beat Kerala and Rajasthan. The green state of Chhattisgarh has 44 per cent of its area under forests, and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country.

Realising that Chhattisgarh has an edge over the other states as far as its forest cover and ethnic background is concerned, the state tourism authorities have decided to hardsell eco and ethno-tourism, bringing to the fore hitherto unknown facts about the state's virgin forests. The state also boasts some of the country's largest waterfalls and deep caves and is known for its tribal culture and handicrafts.

The Eco-Initiatives

In order to position the state as a unique multi-attraction tourism destination, the state has identified eco-tourism since its potential and 'immediate' area for development as 'sustainable tourism' being its mantra.

According to Ajit Jogi, chief minister of Chhattisgarh, the state, for the uninitiated, is home to abundant natural beauty, which includes unique flora and fauna, rare wildlife, waterfalls, caves and hill plateaus. In fact, the Chitrakote Falls, located on the River Indravati, are the country's biggest falls. Ancient caves such as the Kutumsar and Kailash Gufa still have the stalactite and stalagmite formations of yesteryears. We will thus be focusing on upgrading our USP and and thrusting on sustainable eco-tourism.

To develop and initiate various measures to employ a 'sustainable' methodology to develop tourism, the state is expecting a synergistic approach to tourism from both public and private sector. The government has already identified itself as a promoter and facilitator as far as tourism is concerned.

The state is abundant with ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, waterfalls, caves and hill plateaus. Most of these sites are untouched and unexplored and offer a unique and alternative experience to tourists as compared to traditional destinations which have become overcrowded.

Veritable green carpet with 44 per cent area under forests. Boasting of three national parks and11 sanctuaries, one can view a wide range of wildlife, especially the endangered wild buffalo and hill myna. Chitrakote Falls, a thundering cataract plunging down 100 feet, is a must-visit idyllic picnic spot deep in the heart of Bastar forest. Overall, the state is a kaleidoscope of tourist attractions waiting to be discovered and all these features if maintained and highlighted properly could make the state a model for eco-tourism.

According Jayathilak, MD, Chhattisgrah Tourism Board, we will be focussing on eco-tourism and ethno-tourism, and facilitating private sector initiatives, we will also promote a scientific approach to the planning, management and development of sustainable tourism products and activities in the region.

The Eco-Products

With a 12 per cent share of India's forests, Chhattisgarh's three national parks and 11 wildlife sanctuaries are a major attraction. It has several unexplored attractions in protected areas such as Kanger valley national park, Barnawapara, Sitanadi, Udanti and Achanakmar sanctuaries. The endangered wild buffalo (Bubalis Bubalis) and the even more endangered Hill Myna (Graculis Religiosa Peninsularis) are the state animal and bird respectively. The state has taken several steps for their preservation. Natural attractions are being promoted with increased local participation and encouragement to herbal gardens and natural health resorts.

To promote eco-tourism, the state will actively identify opportunities to promote nature-based tourism with increased local participation. Wildlife areas, camping grounds and trekking facilities would be few of the prime attraction facilities. Sonmoda (Marwahi), Mainpat (Sarguja), Keshkal Valley (Kanker), Chaiturgarh(Bilaspur), Bagicha (Jashpur), Kutumsar caves, Kailash caves, Tiratgarh falls, Chitrakote falls (Bastar) as well as Kanger Valley National Park, Barnawapara sanctuary, Sitanadi sanctuary, Udanti sanctuary, Achanakmar sanctuary will be promoted as destinations for nature and wildlife tourism respectively. Subsequently, as part of its drive to promote eco-tourism, the state will leverage on its wealth of medicinal plants to encourage development of herbal gardens and natural health resorts of Yoga and Ayurveda of tourist attraction.

While the government will be responsible for the development of attractive tourist circuits, the private sector's responsibility will be operations of the circuits. The circuits will be developed in consultation and coordination with private tour operators, travel agents and hospitality industry. The circuit - New Delhi, Jabalpur, Kanha, Bhorandev, Raipur, Rajim, Baskar, and Araku Valley has been proposed to the government of India for approval.

To harness this potential of tourism, according to senior tourism officials, it is necessary to undertake large-scale development and improvement of infrastructure and create a conducive investment climate. Accordingly, the state will take up integrated development of Special Tourism Areas and have constructive collaboration with the private sector. Tourism development will be primarily driven by the private sector with the role of government being that of a facilitator and catalyst. Towards this end, the state has set up a State Tourism Promotion Board (STPB) as the nodal agency for translation of the policy into action for the sustained development of the sector.

Adventure Tourism: The state will promote adventure sports such as trekking, rock climbing, canoeing, water rafting, bungee jumping and a lot more. The state government shall make efforts to provide training to youth so that they are able to take up these activities on commercial basis and ensure the enforcement of safety standards. Mahanadi River, Gangrel dam, Madamsilli dam, Kodar dam will be developed to cater to the needs of adventure tourists.

Adventure Sports: The state is in the process of finalising an appropriate site for bungee jumping and other adventure activities. The equipment needed would include glider and hand gliding, support to NCC Airwing, scouts and guides, purchase of mountain bicycles, hi-speed gear bicycle and cycle safari, purchase of wind surfer, small sail boat, water skies, surf board, other water support equipment, life jackets, life buoys, snorkels, para ceiling equipment. This will be done professionally through the best operating agencies available in the country and the National Adventure Foundation.

Future Plans

As per the planning to develop circuits, presently, Bastar has been identified. In view of this "Elwin Museum" at Jagdalpur in Bastar will be established. The government has also identified Kawardha-Raipur-Rajim-Gangrel- Kanker-Keskal-Kondagaon-Jagdalpur (Bastar) circuits. Currently, the developmental plans are being worked upon. The state intends to put up necessary tourist facilities such as clean hygienic toilets and washrooms of global standards along the circuit. A musical-cum-dancing fountain at Gangrel dam premises will be set up. In Bastar, a special museum displaying all the tribal handloom and handicrafts will be set up in association with the national crafts museum in New Delhi. However, the prime focus of the tourism board will be building awareness about the location and existence of Chhattisgarh,. This would be followed up by investment promotion campaigns and subsequently by projection of tourist attraction to the travel trade and to the end consumer.

By Jyoti Koul