Govt urged to set up eco-tourism facilities in Jeypore forest division
Koraput: Despite being home to lush teak forests, picturesque landscapes, natural streams and the revered Gupteswar cave shrine of Lord Shiva, the Jeypore forest division has lagged behind in eco-tourism infrastructure, lacking any official nature camp stay facilities.
This gap stands in stark contrast to neighbouring forest divisions like Malkangiri and Koraput, each boasting two operational nature camps under the management of the state forest department.
Locals and environmentalists have voiced concerns over the missed opportunity to boost eco-tourism and create sustainable employment for tribal communities. “Nowadays, people prefer to spend quality time in nature camps and there’s a huge demand for such accommodation. Jeypore offers everything a nature lover could ask for – pristine forests, biodiversity and peaceful surroundings. But without a place to stay, tourists are forced to skip this region,” said Pintu Paricha, a local nature guide.
Forest officials have acknowledged the issue, revealing that a proposal has already been submitted for the establishment of a nature camp at Patraput a tranquil site in the Jeypore forest range, renowned for its dense greenery, wildlife and the scenic Kolab river.
“We have submitted a detailed proposal for setting up a nature camp at Patraput. The area has the potential to attract eco-tourists and bird watchers. Once we receive approval and funding, work will begin on the camp,” said Pratap Kumar Behera, divisional forest officer of the Jeypore forest division.
Environmentalists stress that nature camps not only offer eco-friendly accommodation and guided tours but also raise awareness about forest conservation and support the local economy. “With proper planning and infrastructure, the Jeypore forest division could emerge as a key attraction on Odisha’s eco-tourism map while uplifting the local tribal economy,” said Laxmi Narayan Boxi, an environmentalist.
He added that the successful establishment of the Patraput nature camp could pave the way for similar initiatives, unlocking the region’s vast and largely untapped eco-tourism potential.
“We are hopeful that our proposal will finally receive the approval and nature camp will debut in the Jeypore forest division,” said Sachidananda Paraida, range officer, Jeypore forest range.
This gap stands in stark contrast to neighbouring forest divisions like Malkangiri and Koraput, each boasting two operational nature camps under the management of the state forest department.
Locals and environmentalists have voiced concerns over the missed opportunity to boost eco-tourism and create sustainable employment for tribal communities. “Nowadays, people prefer to spend quality time in nature camps and there’s a huge demand for such accommodation. Jeypore offers everything a nature lover could ask for – pristine forests, biodiversity and peaceful surroundings. But without a place to stay, tourists are forced to skip this region,” said Pintu Paricha, a local nature guide.
Forest officials have acknowledged the issue, revealing that a proposal has already been submitted for the establishment of a nature camp at Patraput a tranquil site in the Jeypore forest range, renowned for its dense greenery, wildlife and the scenic Kolab river.
“We have submitted a detailed proposal for setting up a nature camp at Patraput. The area has the potential to attract eco-tourists and bird watchers. Once we receive approval and funding, work will begin on the camp,” said Pratap Kumar Behera, divisional forest officer of the Jeypore forest division.
Environmentalists stress that nature camps not only offer eco-friendly accommodation and guided tours but also raise awareness about forest conservation and support the local economy. “With proper planning and infrastructure, the Jeypore forest division could emerge as a key attraction on Odisha’s eco-tourism map while uplifting the local tribal economy,” said Laxmi Narayan Boxi, an environmentalist.
He added that the successful establishment of the Patraput nature camp could pave the way for similar initiatives, unlocking the region’s vast and largely untapped eco-tourism potential.
“We are hopeful that our proposal will finally receive the approval and nature camp will debut in the Jeypore forest division,” said Sachidananda Paraida, range officer, Jeypore forest range.
