Bhubaneswar: With Maoist presence now eliminated in Nuapada district, authorities of the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary are exploring the possibility of setting up night-stay cottages outside the sanctuary boundary, similar to other sanctuaries, to attract tourists.
Learning from Similipal
For tourism development, Sunabeda officials visited the Similipal Tiger Reserve on Friday to gain exposure and learn about the eco-tourism model that involves the local community. The sanctuary authorities are now working on beautifying waterfalls, which are expansive and surrounded by forests. Visitor viewpoints, rest sheds, common dining areas, parking facilities, and kiosks for tea and coffee shops are being created at these locations.
Eco-Tourism Plans
“Sunabeda is not a large sanctuary, and having eco-tourism inside would mean operating in the core area, which is prohibited. Therefore, for sanctuary-friendly eco-tourism that will also provide livelihood support to local tribal families, we are exploring facilities very close to the sanctuary. There is a place called Cherechua where we may proceed with the tourism facility. Gradually, we will map visitor footfall and add more facilities,” said Samir Sahu, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Sunabeda.
Although Nuapada has been declared Maoist-free, neighboring Chhattisgarh, which borders the sanctuary, still reports Maoist presence. Due to this, night facilities have not been allowed at present. However, near the entry gate of the sanctuary, there is no Maoist threat, and authorities plan to establish the facility there.
Waterfalls and Infrastructure
Inside the sanctuary, there are waterfalls with perennial natural water sources, each over 100 feet high. Tourist routes exist, though they are rocky and potholed, as they are used by forest field staff and security personnel. “We are also planning to construct new roads that are visitor-friendly and hospitable,” Sahu added.
The DFO noted that visitor footfall at the waterfalls is expected to increase significantly after the facilities are developed. “After we create more meadows, prey density will increase manifold in the sanctuary, allowing carnivores, especially leopards, to thrive. Then we will introduce safari facilities,” he said.
