By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, August 27, 2022: Odisha has lined up 10 more new spots for development of eco-retreats with night stay facilities, and three new spots for development as nature-camp for the day tourists, an official said.

The new sites for setting up eco cottages approved by Chief Secretary Suresh Mahapatra included Deomali hill top in Koraput, Jakam of Kalahandi, Nawana of Similipal north, Silviculture garden of Phulbani, Muhana Muhana at Astaranga in Puri, Kotia in Koraput, Khadakhai dam in Rairangpur, Mahendragiri from Ganjam side in Berhampur, Kanjipani Ghat and Hadagarh dam in Keonjhar forest divisions.

“Conservation of forest and nature is turning a sustainable treasure for the community, and promote that by all possible means”, Mahapatra said suggesting to strengthen the intervention through formation of Eco-Tourism Society.

Chief Secretary directed the department to involve local communities in hospitality and upkeep of the spots so that they earn their livelihood and preserve natural environs of the spots.

PCCF Wild Life Sashi Paul appraised that as of now 50 total eco-retreat destinations and nature camps are operating the State. With these 13 new approvals, the total number of spots would increase to 63. These spots are growing popular with increasing footfalls and revenue generation. Online booking facility has also been rolled out. So far, around ₹95 cr have been invested in development of the eco-destinations.

The review showed a constant increase in number of footfalls at the eco-destinations. It increased almost by 142 per cent in last 5 years. It increased from 11,500 in the year 2017-18 to 29,024 in the year 2018-19, and then to 57,000 in the year 2020-21.

The year 2021-22 witnessed the surge in footfall to 70,216. Concomitantly, the revenue generated from eco-tourism increased from ₹3.40 cr in 2017-18 to ₹8.32 cr in 2020-21 and then to ₹10.52 cr in 2021-22.